Podcasts about nkjv jesus

We welcome Francie Winslow of Heaven in Your Home to talk about why and how to integrate body and soul for better sexual pleasure and intimacy. Sponsor Calm your mind, reduce stress, and elevate your mood while nourishing your skin with Share the Soap's organic aloe and goat milk lotion scented with essential oils. Experience true body-soul integration as this luxurious lotion soothes your skin and harmonizes your emotional well-being. Aroma skincare at its best! AND buy any size lotion and get a your-choice, FREE lip balm through May 31 using code FCWMAY. Put both items in your shopping bag, and the lip balm will show FREE. Visit Share the Soap From the Bible  Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 2:25 So God created mankind in his own image,     in the image of God he created them;     male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell, and having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself — by Him, I say, whether they be things on earth or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19–20 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14 (NKJV) Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:3–5 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38–42 Resources Francie Winslow's website Heaven in Your Home Podcast – Francie Winslow The Romantic Vineyard | Debi & Tom Walter The Gospel in the Bedroom – Hot, Holy & Humorous What Is Lusting? – Hot, Holy & Humorous Episode 193: Making the Most of Your Five Senses Essential Oils Roller Balls | Amazon Mindfulness & Meditation During Sex - Hot, Holy & Humorous Great Are You Lord- All Sons & Daughters Lyrics | "It's your breath in my lungs" Episode 182: Pray About Your Sex Life (Quickie) Betrayal & Sexual Addiction with Bonny Burns – Heaven In Your Home Thanks for joining us at the virtual kitchen table for another great chat! We'd love for you to join our inner circle by supporting us on Patreon. You can contribute to our wonderful ministry while getting some fun perks for yourself! Check it out here: https://www.patreon.com/c/ForChristianWives And if you could, leave a rating and/or review so that others can find the show. Please also check out our website and webinars at forchristianwives.com. And visit our individual ministry pages for more resources as well: Strong Wives - Bonny Burns  Honeycomb & Spice - Chris Taylor  Hot, Holy & Humorous - J. Parker  

Sermons Archive RSS John 15:16 NKJV You did not choose Me, but I chose you Acts 17:24-27 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth . . . he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else . . . he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” Paul continues, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." Isaiah 55:6 NKJV Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Psalms 14:2 NKJV The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Romans 3:10-11 NKJV As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. Genesis 28:16 NKJV “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” Psalms 63:1-4 NKJV O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:10 NKJV "I will visit you" John 3:16-17 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Psalms 27:4 NKJV One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. Psalms 105:3 NKJV Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Romans 3:23 NKJV "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Luke 5:31-32 NKJV Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” I Timothy 1:15 NKJV "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." II Corinthians 5:21 NKJV For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. I Peter 3:18 NKJV For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, Romans 4:25 NKJV who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. John 20:21 NKJV So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” Revelation 3:20 NKJV Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Sermon Discussion Questions:What does Zacchaeus's story teach us about faith, repentance, and transformation? What does the story say about how we can experience salvation? What are some examples of how we might "seek and save the lost" in our own lives? What are some examples of how God's grace has impacted our own lives? How does this story challenge our understanding of social status and worth?

THE WINNING TICKETI WANT IT NOW…STAY IN FAITHMark 5:34 (NLT) - he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Yoursuffering is over.”Mark 9:23 (NKJV) - Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him whobelieves.”Mark 16:17–18 (NLT) - These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe… 18 They will beable to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”Mark 11:14 (ESV) - And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciplesheard it.Mark 11:20–22 (NKJV) - Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up fromthe roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed haswithered away.” 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God…”1 John 5:4 (NLT) - For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory throughour faith.“I have victory through my faith”“stay in faith, no matter what”Hebrews 6:13–15 (TPT) - God made a promise to Abraham, … 14 So he said, “Have no doubt, Ipromise to bless you over and over, and give you a son and multiply you without measure!” 15 SoAbraham waited patiently in faith and succeeded in seeing the promise fulfilled.Hebrews 6:12 (NIV) - imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.Patience – Remain + Under (endurance; don't quit; don't give up)Romans 4:19–21 (NLT) - Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, hefigured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah's womb. 20 Abraham never wavered inbelieving God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 Hewas fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.”‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬Jesus laid down His life so that anyone might become His friend. So that everyone might receive His love. So that we might know-deep in our hearts-that we are not rejected or forgotten, but known and embraced. Happy Good Friday family!!

Jesus is calling us to put our sinful nature to death and be raised to new life—not just once, but daily. In this message, we look at someone who embraced this truth: Saul of Tarsus. Notes: Focus verses - Acts 7–9 Being friends with your kids is a reward you receive after being a good parent.It is biblical to think about death.James 4:14 (ESV)Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) Christopher Laurie pointed others to Jesus. Jesus wants us to put our sinful nature to death and raise us to new life, daily. Read Acts 7:57–8:4 (NKJV) #1 A Man of Death Saul cast his vote; he oversaw and led the stoning of Stephen. Acts 26:11 (NKJV) Saul was a man of death. Saul was sincere. Yet he was sincerely wrong. Saul depended on his own righteousness, and not on the righteousness of God. Jesus saw a future apostle, a bold witness; Jesus saw Paul.1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) Nobody is beyond the reach of God. Saul was a man of death, but Jesus was calling him to put that life to deathso that he might truly live. #2 A Man Who Had to DieActs 9:1–5 (NKJV) Jesus didn’t just reform Saul, He replaced him.Saul became Paul. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good.He came to make dead people live. Philippians 3:8–11 (MSG) #3 A Man Who Died DailyRomans 8:13–18 (NKJV) “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”1 Corinthians 15:31 (NKJV) The Christian life is a daily burial of the old self. Jesus came to make you new. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus is calling us to put our sinful nature to death and be raised to new life—not just once, but daily. In this message, we look at someone who embraced this truth: Saul of Tarsus. Notes: Focus verses - Acts 7–9 Being friends with your kids is a reward you receive after being a good parent.It is biblical to think about death.James 4:14 (ESV)Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) Christopher Laurie pointed others to Jesus. Jesus wants us to put our sinful nature to death and raise us to new life, daily. Read Acts 7:57–8:4 (NKJV) #1 A Man of Death Saul cast his vote; he oversaw and led the stoning of Stephen. Acts 26:11 (NKJV) Saul was a man of death. Saul was sincere. Yet he was sincerely wrong. Saul depended on his own righteousness, and not on the righteousness of God. Jesus saw a future apostle, a bold witness; Jesus saw Paul.1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) Nobody is beyond the reach of God. Saul was a man of death, but Jesus was calling him to put that life to deathso that he might truly live. #2 A Man Who Had to DieActs 9:1–5 (NKJV) Jesus didn’t just reform Saul, He replaced him.Saul became Paul. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good.He came to make dead people live. Philippians 3:8–11 (MSG) #3 A Man Who Died DailyRomans 8:13–18 (NKJV) “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”1 Corinthians 15:31 (NKJV) The Christian life is a daily burial of the old self. Jesus came to make you new. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Perfect Will of God vs. The Permissible Will of God • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give   The Perfect Will of God vs. The Permissible Will of God: Seeking His Heart Above All Else As believers, we often hear about the “will of God,” but what does that truly mean? Scripture reveals that there is a difference between God's perfect will—His ultimate, sovereign plan—and His permissible will—what He allows due to human free will, even when it is not His best for us. The key to walking in victory, fulfillment, and divine purpose is seeking God's perfect will and not settling for what He merely allows. Let us dive into Scripture to understand these two aspects of God's will and why it is so important to seek His heart fully. 1. God's Perfect Will: His Sovereign, Best Plan for Us Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”   Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”   Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”   Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”   2. God's Permissible Will: What He Allows, but Not His Best Psalm 106:13-15 (NKJV) “They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.”   1 Samuel 8:6-7 (NKJV) “But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, ‘Give us a king to judge us.' So Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.'”   Numbers 22:12-13, 19-22 (NKJV) “And God said to Balaam, ‘You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.' So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, ‘Go back to your land, for the Lord has refused to give me permission to go with you.'” (v. 19-22) “Now therefore, please, you also stay here tonight, that I may know what more the Lord will say to me.” …Then God's anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him.”   3. Why We Must Seek God's Perfect Will Ephesians 5:17 (NKJV) “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”   Colossians 1:9 (NKJV) “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”   John 4:34 (NKJV) “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.'”   Conclusion: The Importance of Seeking His Perfect Will Many settle for God's permissible will, pursuing relationships, jobs, or ministries that God allows but that are not His perfect plan. While He may not stop us, the consequences can be costly. We must: 1. Seek Him first (Matthew 6:33). 2. Renew our minds to discern His will (Romans 12:2). 3. Trust Him fully (Proverbs 3:5-6). 4. Pray for wisdom and revelation (Colossians 1:9). By doing this, we will walk in God's perfect will, fulfilling His best for our lives! Let us not be like Israel, demanding what God allows but missing His best. Instead, let us seek His heart and live in His perfect plan!

Psalm 27:8 (NLT) - My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds,“Lord, I am coming.”Psalm 88.13 CEB - I cry out to you, Lord! My prayer meets you first thing in the morning!1. WE SEE… 2025 as the Year of Faith and Miracles in Carmel ChurchPsalm 77:14 - You are the God of miracles and wonders! You still demonstrate your awesome power.Matthew 9:28–30 (NKJV) - Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They saidto Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30And their eyes were opened.Romans 10:17 (NKJV) - faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.1. Attend church weekly2. Read a chapter in the Bible daily3. Meditate on verses dailyHebrews 11:6 (NLT) - And it is impossible to please God without faith…Ephesians 1:19 (NLT) - I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's powerfor us who believe him…2. WE SEE… a growing church with 1000 people attending on SundaysJohn 3:16 (ESV) - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes inhim should not perish but have eternal life.3. WE SEE… a more prosperous and generous church with $200,000 in monthly giving 4. WE SEE…resources & strategies to reach the next generation in our city5. WE SEE… greater involvement in meeting urgent needs in our city and around the world6. WE SEE…new “Life Classes” that will equip, train and release people to live a successfulChristian life. WHAT IS YOUR STEP OF FAITH?What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about how you can live out the vision God hasgiven our church for 2025?(Scriptures for salvation)Romans 5:1 (NLT) - we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with Godbecause of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.Romans 10:13 (NKJV) - “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”1 John 1:9 (ESV) - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanseus from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 27:8 (NLT) - My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds,“Lord, I am coming.”Psalm 88.13 CEB - I cry out to you, Lord! My prayer meets you first thing in the morning!1. WE SEE… 2025 as the Year of Faith and Miracles in Carmel ChurchPsalm 77:14 - You are the God of miracles and wonders! You still demonstrate your awesome power.Matthew 9:28–30 (NKJV) - Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They saidto Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30And their eyes were opened.Romans 10:17 (NKJV) - faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.1. Attend church weekly2. Read a chapter in the Bible daily3. Meditate on verses dailyHebrews 11:6 (NLT) - And it is impossible to please God without faith…Ephesians 1:19 (NLT) - I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's powerfor us who believe him…2. WE SEE… a growing church with 1000 people attending on SundaysJohn 3:16 (ESV) - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes inhim should not perish but have eternal life.3. WE SEE… a more prosperous and generous church with $200,000 in monthly giving 4. WE SEE…resources & strategies to reach the next generation in our city5. WE SEE… greater involvement in meeting urgent needs in our city and around the world6. WE SEE…new “Life Classes” that will equip, train and release people to live a successfulChristian life. WHAT IS YOUR STEP OF FAITH?What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about how you can live out the vision God hasgiven our church for 2025?(Scriptures for salvation)Romans 5:1 (NLT) - we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with Godbecause of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.Romans 10:13 (NKJV) - “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”1 John 1:9 (ESV) - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanseus from all unrighteousness.

Word for Today:John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Word for Today:John‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

 Against the Grain // The Pathway to Internal Peace   Matthew 5:38-48 (NIV)“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Romans 12:2 (NIV)“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Exodus 21:23-25 (NIV)“if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.”  Leviticus 24:19-20 (NIV)“Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury.” Deuteronomy 19:21 (NIV)“Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”    The upside-down Kingdom of God:  1.     Retaliation is not of my Kingdom.  Matthew 5:38-39 (NIV)"You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”  Luke 17:1 (NKJV)Jesus said, “It is impossible that no offenses should come.” Proverb 19:11 (NIV)“A person's wisdom yields patience;it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.” James 3:9-11 (NIV)“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” Luke 6:45 (NKJV)"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)“Create in me a clean heart, O God,             and renew a right spirit within me.” 

SCRIPTURES (all NKJV) - Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46 - Your spirit is God given: Ecclesiastes 12:7 - Renew your mind: Romans 12:1-2 - Take every thought captive: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliyah-goldson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliyah-goldson/support

SCRIPTURES do not love and be distracted by the world and the things in it - 1 john 2:15-17 (NKJV) Jesus shows us how to respond to the distractions of the love of the world - luke 4:1-12 (NKJV) absent of being planted at the feet of Jesus, we can bear no fruit + God wants you to have the desires of your hear - john 15:4-8 (NKJV) beware of the distraction of religiosity - luke 10:38-42 (NKJV) seek first God's kingdom - matthew 6:33 (NKJV) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliyah-goldson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliyah-goldson/support

St. Matthew 22:29 NLT: Jesus replied, " Your problem is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God. NKJV: Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.

During an Emmy Award-winning career that spans over 40 years, Kathie Lee Gifford has allowed the Lord to place her in unique positions to impact others for the Kingdom. She joins the podcast to talk about her walk with Jesus and how that has helped her love others as Jesus loves them.   Connect with Kathie Lee   Kathie Lee's Website: https://www.kathieleegifford.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathieLGifford  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathieleegiffordspage  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathielgifford The Jesus I know Book - https://www.kathieleegifford.com/thejesusiknow/   Recommended Bible Resources:  The Love God Greatly Bible    The Love God Greatly Bible and the Young Women Love God Greatly Bible are designed to help you grow in your faith and see God's heart for the world. These Bibles include memory verses, reading plans, devotions and more, all designed to help you understand Scripture, God's love for you, God's work around the world, and the importance of community.   Quoted Scripture:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A16&version=NKJV    Jesus curses the fig tree Matthew 11: 12-25   “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”  Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV  

Matthew 22:37-38 (NKJV) Jesus said to them, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all of your mind.” 38 ‘This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it:  ‘You shall love your NEIGHBOR as yourself.” "The Miracle of Unity" by Pastor Quinton Self was recorded on Sunday, September 24th, 2023, during service at The Anchor Church in Rockport, Maine. SERMON NOTES Read sermon notes from other great sermons: https://theanchor.me/sermon-notes/ Subscribe to The ANCHOR Church podcast on iTunes to receive automatic downloads of new episodes and listen to previously recorded sermons. https://apple.co/2u1UBkj

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord andnot to men,” ~Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)Jesus was the greatest example of being a servant. It says in John13:5 (NKJV); “After that, He poured water into a basin andbegan to wash the disciples‟ feet, and to wipe them with thetowel...”Wow! Jesus washed His disciple's dirty feet! THAT is being atrue servant.God Himself came to serve not to be served, and it says in John13:15 (NKJV); “For I have given you an example, that youshould do as I have done to you.”Jesus always put others before Himself. He never sought the spotlight.He gave us an awesome example to follow, and the good news is He gives us the power to be like Him!In Christ,Isaiah Joshua Zeitz

Luke 18:27 (NKJV) Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” "Changed" by Pastor Quinton Self and The Anchor Team was recorded on Sunday, February 19th, 2023, during service at The Anchor Church in Rockport, Maine. SERMON NOTES *song sung during the sermon: HE REIGNS (Spontaneous) CCLI Song # 7183476 Dante Bowe © 2021 Bethel Worship Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Maverick City Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Dante Bowe Music (Admin. by Heritage Worship Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2538172 Read sermon notes from other great sermons: https://theanchor.me/sermon-notes/ Subscribe to The ANCHOR Church podcast on iTunes to receive automatic downloads of new episodes and listen to previously recorded sermons. https://apple.co/2u1UBkj

Matthew 4:23 (NKJV) Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease.  31 "He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 "And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 "He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 "The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." In this message we will understand why John says he must decrease, but Jesus must increase.  Jesus is superior to John and he is superior to everyone else also.  Jesus is shown to be the Messiah here because John gives us six ways Jesus is superior and no one but God could be and do all that John says about Jesus in these few verses.  If anyone ever asks you was Jesus God, you point them to this passage and show them that He is. Here, John the Baptist sets out to show the supremacy of Jesus Christ and to show how vastly superior Christ is to him. John hangs his whole argument on several key premises. First, John informs us that He is superior to John because of where He has come from. Jesus has come “from above,” “from heaven.”  Jesus is “from above”; John is “from the earth.” 31 "He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. Mt 28:18; Joh 1:15, 27; 3:13; 6:33; 8:23; Ro 9:5; 1Co 15:47; Eph 1:21; Php 2:9 Some forty times in the Gospel through John, Christ is spoken of as being sent from heaven or going back to heaven. V31 Divine origin - Jesus if from Heaven (From God) – The one from above, 3:3, 3:7 Rules as God v31 and 35 Since Jesus is “from above,” He speaks of the “heavenly things” which He has seen and heard in heaven. John is “from the earth,” and thus he speaks about “earthly things.”[i]It sounds irreverent, but there is an idiom that says: “I got this right from the horse's mouth.” That is what John is saying about Jesus and His words. In spite of this, John also calls attention to the amazing truth that even though Jesus speaks divine truth, “no one accepts his testimony” But Jesus is of a completely different nature because He's of a completely different origin. He had no human father, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and that's how a divine person passed into a human body. He has a heavenly origin. He is from above. And by the way, that is the same language of John 3, you must be born from above in the spiritual sense, regenerated by God to be a part of His Kingdom. Heavenly origin then becomes a very important part of Jesus' testimony, and I want to show this to you.   John 6:33, Jesus had just fed the massive crowd the loaves and the fish and was teaching the great sermon on Himself as the bread of life. But notice a few of the things that he says. In verse 33, John 6, “For the bread of God…meaning Himself…is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.” Verse 38, “For I have come down from heaven.” Verse 50, “This is the bread which comes down out of heaven.” Verse 51, “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven.” Verse 58, “This is the bread which came down out of heaven.” That doesn't leave any room for doubt about the origin of the Lord Jesus Christ. He came down from heaven. Clearly distinguishing Him from earth-born people, which constitutes the entire human race. 32 "And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. Joh 3:11; 8:26; 15:15 He has a heavenly origin. And by the way, chapter 8, you're going to find this as we go all through John's gospel, but chapter 8 verse 42, Jesus said, “If God were your father…He's talking to the Jewish leaders…if God were your father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God.” I proceeded forth and have come from God. In chapter 17 He prays a prayer and says, “Restore to Me the glory I had with You before the world began.” And speaks there of His preincarnate existence. In 17:8, “The words You gave Me I have given to them and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You.” This is foundational to understanding Jesus Christ is not merely human. This establishes the deity of Christ   v32 Divine Testimony - Has a firsthand knowledge of the truth because He is God – Speaks and witnesses as God has a better testimony than John Now we know He knows everything because in chapter 2 verses 23 to 25 it said He knows everything. He even knows the thoughts of every human being, this is omniscience. Jesus is the only man who never needed to take any information from anyone else. He didn't need to be educated by other people. There was no need for that. Yes, He grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God, favor with man…there was an awakening to His divine knowledge as He grew legitimately as a baby and a child. He wasn't a one-year-old able to spout profound eternal theology. He was conformed to the development of a human being. By the time He's twelve, obviously it's crystal-clear that He…He has reached the point with a full adult sense of His mission which means that His knowledge was then complete. Did He choose to use all that knowledge? No, He restricted the independent use of His own omniscience in His humiliation. That's why He could say things like “I don't know the day or the hour when I return to establish the Kingdom.” He put self-imposed limits on His omniscience. But He could limit His omniscience, no one could add to His knowledge. He could limit His development and that in the plan of God, but no information as outside that full omniscience.   This sets Him apart from us. Everything we know, somebody has to teach us. We need information from heaven given to us from someone from heaven. So Jesus comes, God spoke in time past by the Holy Spirit through the prophets and then He spoke, Hebrews 1, by His Son. Either God speaks to us through the prophets and through the writers of Scripture or He speaks to us through His Son, but He has to speak to us because we have no knowledge of heavenly things.   Back in chapter 3 verse 11, “Truly, truly…Jesus says…I say to You, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen.” This is firsthand knowledge. And he calls these things in verse 12 heavenly things. So in referring to Jesus Christ, everything begins with an understanding of His heavenly origin and then moves to an understanding that He has knowledge of all things, He has complete omniscience, He knows everything that can be known and He knows it by first-hand experience, not because He acquired that knowledge or was taught that knowledge. There is a reference in the gospel of John to being taught of God, Jesus speaking of being taught of God meaning only in the sense that He was with God in eternity past, they shared a common understanding of truth. For example, Jesus reiterates this a number of times. Maybe it would be good to look at chapter 5 verse 30, “I can do nothing on my own initiative, as I hear I judge, My judgment is just. I don't seek My own will but the will of Him who sent Me. If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not deemed true. There is another who testifies of Me and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true. You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth, but the testimony which I receive is not from man but I say these things so that you may be saved.” John is a lamp but I'm the light. In other words, Jesus says John gave you a testimony that he had received from God. I give you a testimony that comes from heaven itself. There's a sense in which it all originates with God. The difference is John had to be taught this, Jesus knew it eternally. He is the omniscient one.              In the eighth chapter of John's gospel, just a couple of other verses, verse 26, “I have many things to speak and judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world.” Jesus says My knowledge is the knowledge that belongs to God, it is knowledge which we share. Verse 38, “I speak the things which I've seen with My Father.” In other words, the common identification of these two members of the Trinity, eternally, which encompasses their omniscience.                 Because He is of heavenly origin then, He has all heavenly knowledge. There is no preacher who can claim that by any means. We struggle at best to grasp the heavenly things, to understand the heavenly things, to articulate the heavenly things, and we're only scratching the edge of the surface. By the way, at the end of that verse, a statement is made, “No one receives his testimony.” Back in verse 11 he said the same things, Jesus said it there. “You do not accept our testimony.” He said that to Israel and now John says no one receives his testimony. John the Baptist is affirming that what Jesus is saying, people are rejecting. It's not consistent with what they're used to. It's not earthly. It's not consistent with the system that they've developed. It's too heavenly. And Jesus said that, how are you going to understand heavenly things when you don't even grasp earthly things? 33 "He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. Ro 3:4; 1Jo 5:10 The truthfulness of God is bound up in the affirmation of Christ. Look at verse 33. “He who has received His testimony,” there are some, “no one received His testimony,” is a general statement, not an exclusive one, but there are some. “He who has received His testimony, that is the testimony concerning Christ, has set His seal to this, that God is true.” That is such an economy of words to say something so profound. Does God speak truth? Is God true? You heard Kory sing what essentially says that, you are truthful. God is true, a God who cannot lie. He is truth personified. God is true. If that is so, then you must believe in Christ. Why? Because God sent an angel and said this child is Immanuel. This is Jesus who will save His people from their sins. Because God sent an angel, this is the Son of God, because God spoke at His baptism, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Because God spoke at the Transfiguration, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.”   If you don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God, then God lied. Understand? So don't come with some kind of patronizing statement about, “Well I believe in God, I believe in the true God, I just reject Christ.” No, if you reject Christ, then you affirm that God is a liar. he Jewish people think they affirm the God of the Old Testament. They talk about the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the God of the Old Testament Scripture, they affirm that that's their God and that's the true God. But their God is a liar…their God is a liar because it is the God of the Old Testament who revealed every single prophecy directed and fulfilled in Jesus Christ's first coming. It is the God of the Old Testament who talk about the seed of a woman in Genesis 3, it's the God of the Old Testament who talked about one who would be crucified, pierced, wounded for the transgressions of His people, Isaiah 53. Every single prophecy in the Old Testament fulfilled in Jesus Christ is a point at which you either validate God as speaking the truth, or lying. You cannot reject Christ and say God speaks the truth. It was God who said this is My beloved Son. If that's not His Son, God's a liar. v33 His Testimony agrees with God and proves that God is true In 1 John chapter 5, John affirms this very important declaration with this statement, 1 John 5:10. This time he's writing in his epistle. “The one who believes in the Son of God,” John is constantly going back to this theme, this is who He is and you must believe to have eternal life. “The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in Himself. The one who does not believe God has made Him a liar.” Whoa-whoa, I would never make God a liar. You just made Him a liar if you reject what He said about Christ because you have not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. It's inescapable. You don't have the right to say I believe in God and that I believe God is true, and then reject Christ. If Christ is not who God said He is, we are really in serious trouble because the biggest promise that God ever made, the clearest identification that He ever spoke of was a lie. And if God is by nature a liar, throw your Bible away, throw your Old Testament away, run from it. You cannot reject Christ and affirm that God is true. If God is true, then everything He said about Christ is true and Christ is who He said He is and provides the eternal life that He declared He would give.                 This becomes another of John's themes. Chapter 7, verse 16, “So Jesus answered them and said, very basic statement, My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me.” Reject Me, you're rejecting God. Call Me a liar, you're calling God a liar. We are connected. If I'm a liar, God's a liar because what I'm telling you comes from God.             Back in chapter 5 is maybe the most potent statement, chapter 5, you could pick it up say maybe at verse 19. Jesus is talking about His relationship to the Father, His Son can do nothing of Himself unless the something He sees the Father doing, common knowledge, common life, common action, common works, common words, whatever the Father does, these are the things the Son does. And He goes on to speak about this. And then He sums it up in verse 23, “So that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father.” And then this, “He who doesn't honor the Son, doesn't honor the Father who sent Him.” Reject the Son, and you've rejected the Father. That is why the writers of the epistles of the New Testament refer to God as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, meaning that the God that we believe is the God who is one with the Lord Jesus Christ. You can't separate the two, and end up with anything other than blasphemy. It's blasphemy to call God a liar. And if Jesus is not who God said He is, then God is a liar and there is nothing more horrendous or horrific than that kind of blasphemy.                 In the fourteenth chapter of John, the tenth verse, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. My works, My words all come from the Father. Believe Me, I am in the Father, the Father's in Me.” This is essential to any grasp of the identity of Jesus Christ. 34 "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. Joh 1:16; 7:16   V34 Jesus has the full measure of God's words since He is God and full of the Holy Spirit Eph 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Eph 4:8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." it speaks again to His Trinitarian relationships. This comes in verse 34. In verse 34, and it is this, “He possessed full Holy Spirit presence…full Holy Spirit presence.” Why do we exalt Christ? He has a heavenly origin. We have an earthly one. He knows what He knows from eternal omniscience. We have to be taught and are limited in our comprehension. Why do we exalt Him? Because He is the one whom the Father promised and whom the Father affirmed and to agree with God the Father we must embrace Christ. And then this, “He possesses the Holy Spirit in full presence.” Great statement in verse 34. “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God…that's the same point He was making in verse 33, probably should be added to verse 33, and then verse 34 should say…”For He gives the Spirit without measure.”   One of the ministries of the Spirit, of course, was to bring the words of the Father through the Son. Everything Jesus did in His ministry was the work of the Holy Spirit, that's why in Matthew 12 when they called Him satanic, they said You do what You do by the power of Satan, He didn't say you blasphemed Me, He said you blaspheme the Holy Spirit.               Why? Because part of His incarnation was to become human, part of His incarnation was to restrict the independent use of His attributes. Part of His incarnation was to yield over His will to the operation of the Holy Spirit in His humiliation. it speaks again to His Trinitarian relationships. This comes in verse 34. In verse 34, and it is this, “He possessed full Holy Spirit presence…full Holy Spirit presence.” Why do we exalt Christ? He has a heavenly origin. We have an earthly one. He knows what He knows from eternal omniscience. We have to be taught and are limited in our comprehension. Why do we exalt Him? Because He is the one whom the Father promised and whom the Father affirmed and to agree with God the Father we must embrace Christ. And then this, “He possesses the Holy Spirit in full presence.” Great statement in verse 34. “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God…that's the same point He was making in verse 33, probably should be added to verse 33, and then verse 34 should say…”For He gives the Spirit without measure.”   One of the ministries of the Spirit, of course, was to bring the words of the Father through the Son. Everything Jesus did in His ministry was the work of the Holy Spirit, that's why in Matthew 12 when they called Him satanic, they said You do what You do by the power of Satan, He didn't say you blasphemed Me, He said you blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Back in chapter 1 verse 32, John testified saying, “I've seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven and He remained on Him and I didn't recognize Him, but He who sent Me to baptize in water said to Me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'” So there symbolically is this coming of the Holy Spirit resting on Him. That's only an external demonstration of what was an internal, eternal permanent union in the Trinity. In fact, in Colossians 2:9, it's stated this way, “That in Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He is Son and Father and Holy Spirit all in one.”   Why would you exalt the minister? John has a measure of the Holy Spirit. John has information given to him but John is an earthly man, not to be compared at all with the one who comes from heaven who knows everything from eternal omniscience, who gives perfect testimony establishing the truthfulness of God, and who has the spirit in infinite fullness.             35 "The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. Mt 11:27; 28:18; Lu 10:22; Joh 5:20,22; 13:3; 17:2; Heb 2:8            V35 Divine Authority - Everything belongs to Jesus because He is God and only by Him can you be saved – He has Ultimate Power Power and Grace Mt 28:18 John understands that the whole of redemption and the whole of creation, the creation of the material world, the immaterial world, the plan of redemption, all of it is about the Father loving the Son and creating a universe in which He can redeem humanity and give a bride to His Son, a love gift to His Son. John has a full understanding of the plan of God to create and then regenerate, to regenerate the heavens and regenerate the earth and regenerate fallen sinners and gather all that together and give it as an expression of His love to His Son. That's staggering truth to grasp.   In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul tries to capture some of this with amazing language. Ephesians chapter 1, one of my favorite passages anywhere in Scripture, starting in verse 20, talks about Christ whom He raised from the dead. And then says about Him, “He is far above all rule and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. He's put all things in subjection under His feet, given Him as head over all things, He's head over all things, He's given the One who is head over all things to the church which is His body. He is the fullness of Him who fills…the church is the fullness of Him who fills all in all. The language is full, full, full, full, full.                God's eternal love relationship with His Son results in God giving to His Son all of His creation in its final form, the new heavens, the new earth, the redeemed humanity, love gifts to the Son. John understands this. 36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Hab 2:4; Joh 1:12; 3:15-16; 6:47; Ro 1:17; 1Jo 5:10 (NKJV) Jesus is the key to our destiny. The answer to one question determines where we will spend eternity: “Who is Jesus Christ, and what have you done about His claim to be God's only means for your salvation?” The one who accepts His testimony has declared that “God is true” (verse 33). To reject the words of our Lord, who speaks for the Father, is to call God a liar. To believe in the Son is to have eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life; indeed, God's wrath abides on him (verse 36). V36 Those that believe His testimony are saved, don't they are not Old wine of Judaism doesn't work, new wine of Jesus works Purification Water pots no longer necessary, only Jesus purifies Eph 5:25 -27 Holy Spirit, Jesus gives us new life as we are born from above Full Christology and so he closes with an invitation in verse 36, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life. He who doesn't obey the Son will not see life.” By the way, why does it go from believing to obeying? Because to believe on the Son is a command. The gospel is a command, not a suggestion. It's a command. He who believes in the Son has obeyed the command. He who does not believe in the Son has disobeyed the command. And he who doesn't obey the Son will not see life but the wrath of God abides on him. You have a choice. Eternal life, eternal wrath. Eternal heaven, eternal hell. John ends up a gospel preacher. Those are the last words to fall from the lips of John the Baptist recorded in Scripture and he's a gospel preacher. Believe and have eternal life, it sounds like the words of John 3:16, believe and have eternal life. Fail to believe in disobedience, you will not see life but you will see eternal wrath, a preacher of the gospel, the last message and the voice of one crying in the wilderness goes silent…goes silent.   Not long after this John's sad ending came. Let me read it to you. Matthew 14. Herod had arrested John. Herod arrested him because John publicly preached against Herod's immorality and illicit marriage. So Herod arrested John, bound him, put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. That was the immorality. He had literally seduced his brother's wife and married her. And John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd because they regarded John as a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came which was a good excuse for debauchery, drunken orgy, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod in a very seductive way. Pleased him so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Having been prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”                “Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths and because of his dinner guests. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl and she brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the body and buried it and they went and reported to Jesus. And the shining star was out and the voice went silent.” It's really sad, isn't it? Pathetic, ugly, horrible way for the greatest man who ever lived to end. His disciples buried his body and went and told Jesus. But this is how it is for the preacher. John died a satisfied man. His joy was made full, why? Because he had decreased and Christ had increased. And John's followers had no one else to turn to, so they went to Christ. He was a faithful preacher of Christ, faithful preacher of the gospel and a model of the first law of ministry, the law of humility.   The most important question anyone can ask and answer is, “Who is Jesus Christ?” The answer is the key to everything. It is the key to one's eternal destiny. It is the key to one's ministry and service. It is the key to the gospel itself. Is it any wonder that the truths John the Baptist affirms here are the same truths the Apostle John emphasizes in this Gospel? Is it any wonder that these same truths are those most under attack by unbelieving “scholars”? The claims Jesus makes, which John the Baptist declares here, and which the Gospel of John was written to proclaim, are found everywhere one looks in the New Testament. But perhaps nowhere is the thrust of our text more clearly stated elsewhere in the Bible than in the Book of Hebrews: (Hebrews 1:1-2:4). In contrast to John and his joy, we see the jealousy and frustration of his disciples. How can this be explained? What went wrong here? I would begin by saying that this same “sourness” seems to characterize many Christians and their service to the Lord. How quickly and easily we lose sight of Christ's preeminence, and start to think of our position and our pleasure. Is this not what characterizes the disciples of our Lord? Are they not interested in promoting Christ so that they can prosper with Him? Is this not why they react so strongly to His words about His own rejection, suffering, and death? They are serving God for self-serving reasons. Too often I hear Christians in ministry talking in terms of success, and this is problematic. But I also hear too much talk about “personal fulfillment.” Is this what motivates our service? Is this perhaps the reason why your joy and mine is not that of John the Baptist? Are we serving our Lord selfishly? Jesus calls us to “take up our cross.” Serving God is in our own best interest, but when we begrudge the glorification of Christ because it seems to come at our sacrifice and our expense, then we have become like John's disciples. If this is the case, we should repent of our sin, asking God to restore to us the joy of our salvation. Philippians 1:12-26 [i] In John 3:12, Jesus claimed the ability to speak both “earthly things” and “heavenly things.” John claims to be able to speak only “earthly things.” Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32   Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.  hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

In Genesis 3:14-15, we hear God declare a curse upon the serpent (Satan) for his vile and crafty temptation in deceiving the first couple, Adam & Eve: "The LORD God said to the serpent, 'Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all the cattle, and more than any animal of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you and the woman, and between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, and you shall [only] bruise His heel.'” (AMP) This takes place right after the fall but despite the curse of death, God includes the promise of redemption that would come from the Seed of the woman. Known in theological terms as the protoevangelium, this is the first pronouncement of the Gospel in all of Scripture. And by WHOM will this redemption come? From none other than God the Son Himself, Jesus Christ! As was also foretold in Isaiah 53:5: "But He was wounded (pierced) for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (NKJV) Jesus accomplished all this on the cross! Through Adam, man fell; through Christ Jesus, redemption has come! And the first prophetic declaration of all this came on the heels of the fall iteself. All glory to God for His steadfast love and faithfulness are from of old and they are also from everlasting to everlasting!

As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!” Matthew 9:32 - 33 NKJV Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God who came to this world two thousand years ago to save all of us. The Lord Jesus has the power to forgive all our sins and His power is able to set you free. Because Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world.

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Matthew 9:6 NKJV Jesus is the Son of God who came to this world two thousand years ago because of His great love for humans. And only in the name of Jesus there is the power of forgiveness for our sins. By His holy blood, our sins were forgiven. Put your trust in Jesus, your sins are forgiven and the penalty remitted!

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13 NKJV Jesus never wanted to let us suffer in this world. His heart is full of compassion when he sees us suffering. That is why Jesus came to this world because He wants to help and wipe away our tears. Let's just believe in Jesus!

And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:38 NKJV Jesus is Lord and Savior! He is capable of all things. When you are in trouble and feeling depressed, come to Jesus and ask for His mercy. Don't worry! Jesus will surely help us. Nothing is impossible in Jesus. Put your trust in Him and ask Him and Jesus will help you!

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13 NKJV Jesus really cares for you. He is an omnipresent God in every aspect of our life. Do not worry about anything problem that happen in our life, because God loves you. Do not worry, He will comfort us and deliver us. Believe in Him, and His power, He will save us!

When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Matthew 9:12 NKJV Jesus is the Lord and Savior who came to this world to all sinners to repent. Because we are all sinners and we need Jesus to heal us and pay for all our sins. Believe in Jesus, and you will be saved.

“So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.” Luke 4:39 NKJV Jesus is the one who always willing to help us. Do not worry, He is a God that will take care of us. He always wants the best for us, do not worry about what is going on, because He will take care of us all the time. He is willing to help us all the time. Ask to Him and He will help you!

Thursday, 21 July 2022   So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:6   Note: The text of verses 9:5 and 9:6 is different based on original manuscripts, and so your Bible may not match what is presented here:   *And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (ESV)   * And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (NKJV)   --------------------------------------   Jesus just explained to Saul (Paul) who He is and informed Saul that it is “hard to kick against the goads.” With that noted, it now says of Saul, “So he, trembling and astonished.” The word translated as trembling, tremó, signifies to dread or to terrify, hence trembling is the result of the mental condition. One can see the obvious root of several modern English words, such as tremor, tremble, and so on.   The next word, thambeó, translated as astonished, gives the idea of being perplexed or amazed. In this state one, mentally shuts down, even to the point of terror depending on the situation. In other words, Saul was both terrified and he was unable to mentally grasp the enormity of the matter. The One he had been pursuing and persecuting is the Lord God. His cognitive abilities were overwrought with the magnitude of what he now perceived. In this state, He said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”   The fact that he was still alive meant there must be a purpose for him. Otherwise, the Lord could have simply revealed Himself and consumed him in a moment. But Saul realized that would not be the case, especially when presented with the words concerning kicking against the goads. It was not a statement of threat, but of warning and instruction. Saul's immediate reaction beyond the trembling and astonishment was a submissive spirit, asking for direction.   With this now realized in him, he is no longer kicking against the goads. Instead, his compliance is anticipated. As such, Luke records, “Then the Lord said to him.”   This is the beginning of the relationship that will carry Saul throughout his life. He will work harder, suffer more frequently, and more fully express what has happened in the coming of Christ than any of the others whom Jesus called His apostles. But above all, it has begun with a mark of grace. Saul did not deserve the favor bestowed upon him. He realizes it now and he will continue to realize it throughout his life.   The man of the law has become a man of God's grace. This experience will shape and define his writings to all people because all people must come to the Lord in the same manner. None can come on personal merit, but only through the grace that comes through the reception of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is with this in mind that Jesus gives him instruction to prepare him for this new life, saying, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”   The city is Damascus. The details will come to Saul while there, but it is true that the Lord could have simply told him right there on the way to the city what He wanted. As such, there is more than mere verbal instruction for Saul. There is a process he must go through, there is instruction for others that hardly seem involved at all, and there will be the ongoing explanation of this event for others to share that would have been lacking if Saul was simply commissioned on the spot.   Though Saul is the key figure in the process of his conversion, that conversion in Damascus will touch others as well. Each will have his life changed by the events that will take place.   Life application: At times in our lives, we all face what is known as Cognitive Dissonance. It is the state of discomfort of the mind that results when two conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values arise. When we are presented with something that challenges our belief systems, we will immediately try to avoid accepting it, we may explain it away, and we may simply outright reject it.   For example, if we are taught that there will be no rapture, when presented with an analysis of the rapture that is directly from the Bible, in context, and evidently true, we will still work to dismiss it. The same is true with someone who believes the rapture will be mid-trib, but then is given clear evidence that it is pre-trib. Such things cause mental anxiety as we look to affirm our current belief and ignore or explain away the obviously correct explanation.   In Paul's case, he believed one thing, and yet he was faced with the overwhelming truth that what he had believed was one hundred percent wrong. Instead of trying to argue away what had now become wholly and perfectly evident, he simply shut down. His mind was overwhelmed (see above: thambeó, being perplexed or amazed) and he could no longer function. It would take time for his mind to heal and redirect to the proper path.   We will normally not get such a sudden and absolute confirmation of what is correct. Rather, we will be presented with the truth of what is found in Scripture, but because of our limited knowledge of the word, we will search for ways to explain away what we have been presented. This is not wise because we may be dismissing the truth when we do.   The surest way to avoid this is to know what Scripture says, intimately. The more well-versed we are in the word, the less likely we will follow a wrong teaching. Otherwise, the next person to come along will present a case that sounds right to our ears. When he does, it may satisfy our own presuppositions about a matter (whether they are right or not), or that is simply convenient and involves less hard work on our part (think of King James Onlyism), and so we go with it.   This is a big problem that can be avoided if we read the word, use logic in approaching the things the Bible presents, and – above all – pray for discernment and proper direction from the Lord. Paul could not argue against the appearance of the Lord and so he submitted himself to what he now knew to be true. If we intimately know the Bible, including the words of Paul, the same should be the case. The same Lord is presenting Himself to us there. Please! Know your Bible!   Lord God, we come before You sincerely asking for You to lead us in Your word, to keep us from incorrect teachings, and to give us the great and strong desire to want to know Your word more fully all the days of our lives. Amen.

“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness— by whose stripes you were healed.” I Peter 2:24 NKJV Jesus into this world to reverse the curse of sin and death. On the Cross, He bore the penalty for our sins and His stripes heal our sickness. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He still does miracles, whatever sickness you suffer right now believe that Jesus is the one who can heal you. Our healer never changes and He will heal you!! Just put your faith in Him.

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:13-14 NKJV Jesus knew our life because He is the one that created us. Whoever we are, God have a plan for us. Maybe we think we are worthless and nobody cares about us, but God always cares about us, because He is the one that created us. He had a plan for us. He formed us and He knew us before we are born. We are all special in His sight. Come to Him to receive His kindness, love, and mercies.!

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:13-14 NKJV Jesus knew our life because He is the one that created us. Whoever we are, God have a plan for us. Maybe we think we are worthless and nobody cares about us, but God always cares about us, because He is the one that created us. He had a plan for us. He formed us and He knew us before we are born. We are all special in His sight. Come to Him to receive His kindness, love, and mercies.!

Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” Matthew 9:29 NKJV Jesus wanted us to believe in Him, that He is a God that are able to do great things in our life. Our life will always be beset by problems, but with Jesus we will always have victory in our life. But we must put our trust on Him and must believe in Him.

And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.” Matthew 14:17-19 NKJV Jesus being able to feed the 5,000 is a monumental reminder to us, that nothing we face here on Earth is too difficult for God! Jesus is great enough for any of our needs. Jesus is a God of miracles. All things are possible for Him. For us, we would always encounter things that are impossible. But for God, everything is possible, and nothing is impossible. Believe in Him and He will provide all you need!

Description: That's not a demon you're sensing, it's the internal struggle of the person next to you. Your spirit is picking up their emotions before they make bad decisions. AKA... you feel what they feel. The good news is, you aren't crazy. The better news is God positioned you to help them. Lead the church away from the flesh and into the arms of Jesus. Show Notes: Use the gift of discerning of spirits to help people. Guide them to the Lord before emotions overcome them. Build their faith and give them Jesus in the middle of their struggle. Learn when God is tapping you on the shoulder and when you're feeling your own emotions. Get a prophetic activation in this episode. What This Episode Offers You Activate Spiritual Discernment What does sensing someone's spirit feel like? How do I know if I am discerning a demon? Use Your Prophetic Anointing Use Your grace to bring peace, clarity, and focus. Help people before they make bad decisions. Be Accurate Learn how to approach people who are struggling and help them. Accelerate your prophetic ministry. Activate the Gift of Discerning of Spirits Spiritual Discernment Workshop Discern between the Spirit of the Lord and the leading of the enemy. Keep your spirit clear from distractions and focus on your call. Stay aware of what's going on around you in the spirit. Related Episodes How to Sense the Presence of Demons (Ep. 142) What You Need to Know About the Gift of Discerning of Spirits (Ep. 107) How to Approach Someone with A Demonic Stronghold (Ep. 92) Use These Scriptures to Sharpen Your Spiritual Senses 1 Corinthians 12:10–11 (NKJV): to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. John 4:42 (NKJV): Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed [a]the Christ, the Savior of the world.” Mathew 16:17 (NKJV): Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Join Our Community! https://www.apostolic-network.com Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the Next Generation of Prophets. Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Watch Our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Get Your Prophetic Word Confirmed Speak to a wing man at: 760 466 7257 Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: NextGen Prophets Instagram

Description: That's not a demon you're sensing, it's the internal struggle of the person next to you. Your spirit is picking up their emotions before they make bad decisions. AKA... you feel what they feel. The good news is, you aren't crazy. The better news is God positioned you to help them. Lead the church away from the flesh and into the arms of Jesus. Show Notes: Use the gift of discerning of spirits to help people. Guide them to the Lord before emotions overcome them. Build their faith and give them Jesus in the middle of their struggle. Learn when God is tapping you on the shoulder and when you're feeling your own emotions. Get a prophetic activation in this episode. What This Episode Offers You Activate Spiritual Discernment What does sensing someone's spirit feel like? How do I know if I am discerning a demon? Use Your Prophetic Anointing Use Your grace to bring peace, clarity, and focus. Help people before they make bad decisions. Be Accurate Learn how to approach people who are struggling and help them. Accelerate your prophetic ministry. Activate the Gift of Discerning of Spirits Spiritual Discernment Workshop Discern between the Spirit of the Lord and the leading of the enemy. Keep your spirit clear from distractions and focus on your call. Stay aware of what's going on around you in the spirit. Related Episodes How to Sense the Presence of Demons (Ep. 142) What You Need to Know About the Gift of Discerning of Spirits (Ep. 107) How to Approach Someone with A Demonic Stronghold (Ep. 92) Use These Scriptures to Sharpen Your Spiritual Senses 1 Corinthians 12:10–11 (NKJV): to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. John 4:42 (NKJV): Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed [a]the Christ, the Savior of the world.” Mathew 16:17 (NKJV): Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Join Our Community! https://www.apostolic-network.com Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the Next Generation of Prophets. Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Watch Our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Get Your Prophetic Word Confirmed Speak to a wing man at: 760 466 7257 Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: NextGen Prophets Instagram

S I recently gave a talk at my church and I really enjoyed preparing for that and giving the talk and thought the topic would be a good one for us to discuss on this podcast.   I'll provide a link to the entire talk which was streamed on Youtube and lasts over an hour. I encourage you to check it out since there's a lot more discussion in that than we'll have time for you on this podcast.   My intent with this Selah episode is to hit the main points from that talk, and to make some application to the workplace.   So let me start by giving some context on this talk.   In our Messianic congregation, we have worship and teaching similar to most churches.  A few things that are different than what I was used to before attending this church include that we publically read a couple chapters before the Pastor gives his teaching, then we have what we call Oneg, which is basically a potluck meal, and then we have what we call Torah Talk, which is another teaching that normally involves a lot of participation from those attending and often allows to go a little deeper into certain topics from the reading that there wasn't time for in the main teaching.   We call the readings the parashat.   Wikipedia's definition of a parashat is "a section of the Torah (Five Books of Moses) used in Jewish liturgy during a particular week. There are 54 parshas, or parashiyot in Hebrew, and the full cycle is read over the course of one Jewish year."   So we follow that Jewish tradition.  Every parashat has a traditional name which is normally a Hebrew word found in the parashat that kind of sums up the overall message from that Parashat.   My talk was based on Lev 14-15 and the Parashat was called "T'zria".  These passages are primarily about T'zaraat which is often translated as leprosy but really refers to a skin disease.    This lesson had both physical and spiritual lessons.   The first lesson was that Disease is usually contagious and therefore for the good of the whole, the infected person is quarantined.    The scriptures talk a lot about keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.   Ps 1:1 says "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;”:   In 1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV Paul says “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”   James 1:27 NKJV says “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” There was a lot of discussion during this talk about how we should apply these in our lives.  It reminded me of how so often the Christian walk is filled with tension, in a good way.  In this case, we should not mingle and be spotted by unbelievers, but at the same time we are to be like Jesus and love on unbelievers and those who are entrapped by sinful lifestyles that we're not currently struggling with. I think the key in working this out is to know where we are in our walk.  If we're spiritually weak, we need to be very guarded not to let the world impact us.  If we're spiritually strong, relatively speaking, we need to be salt and light and be about the Father's business while there is light during the day, sharing the Gospel, and blessing others. This is certainly true in the workplace.  There can be a lot of temptations in the workplace and opportunities to sort of blend in and be worldly and sinful.  Our job is to be set apart, but to also always be ready give an answer to everyone who asks us the reason for the hope that we have.   In  John 17:15 NKJV Jesus said “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”   One of the great things about working in the marketplace and not in "full-time" ministry is that it's so easy to live out this prayer from our Savior.   Going to work each day, we are in the world, but our job is to keep ourselves from the evil one while at work. That's just the first lesson I discussed and there were 6 lessons, but I'm going to keep this short so I can get to other parts I usually cover in my Selah episode, especially I didn't do that in the last episode. Again, if you want to hear more check out the full teaching at the link in the shownotes. https://youtu.be/ySVAHjI-hLI   E I want to use E portion of the Selah episode to stat a new series calling Essentials, scriptures we can all look to when we're frustrated, confused in our world, asking ourselves “what do I do?”  These essentials will not be specific to the workplace, I'll try to continue to reference those work specific passages in the L or Logos section. I guess you could say what's special about the passages I've selected is that they help us narrow in on what should our Christian walk look like, to serve as a guidepost for us to reflect, assess, and adjust as needed.   I'm not going to teach or comment on these scriptures but will try to let them speak for themselves and ask you to spend time meditating on these each week and ask God to show you how He wants you to apply them to your life now. I also ask you to look into the context for these passages, what comes before and after them and the mindset the original writer had.  I will intentionally keep these brief and leave it up to you to pursue and investigate the context of each.   Titus 1 For an overseer,  as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Titus 1:7-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Titus%201:7-9&version=ESV   L   Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."   You often this passage used at weddings, but I'd like to talk about teamwork in the workplace.  Do you value the members of your team at your work?  Are you a good team member?  You may be thinking, "I'm not part of a team" and my response to that is that you may be part of a team but aren't thinking about it and trying to do things on your own.   I had the priviledge to attend my 2nd Nascar race yesterday with one of my daughters and her fiance at the Martinsville Speedway, sometimes referred to as the paperclip since it's one of the short tracks still regularly used.   It was a lot of fun overall.  It rained a little when we got there but it stopped quickly and didn't delay the race very long.  One comment I have to make is that just about everyone there seemed like they were at some level of drunkeness.  The first time I went to a Nascar race I went with some people that chose to get drunk.  At the time I was still a tee-toteler and had been for a number of years, so that was awkward.  I now drink in moderation but I guess my comment was that for the most part the people I saw didn't seem very happy, and I was driving to the event and chose not to drink and it was a joy to not feel the need to include that in the event.  Just something I was thankful for in addition to having a good time with daughter.   But the main reason I bring up the race was to make an application from the verse today from Ecclesiastes. I was rooting for Chase Elliott.  He was leading after the first 2 stages of the race, which made up over half the race.  Then in the beginning of the third stage, Chase's pit crew had a slower pit time than William Byron, #24 and so coming out of the pit William Byron took the lead and he never let it go and went on to win the race.  Unfortunately Chase Elliott got kind of lost in the pack and ended up, I believe in 10th place.   This reminded me how important teamwork is.  Whether it's with our wife, or at our job, or other parts of our life, we should resist the temptation to be the Lone Ranger and take the time and effort to work well with others, which may include giving them credit or helping them to develop their skills. It will pay off for them and for us, and it's biblical, meaning it's God's way.    A https://www.patreon.com/christianmenatwork https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/christianmenatwork   H   Jokes   My friend told me he couldn't afford his water bill - I sent him a get well card

High Priestly Prayer John 17: 9, 20 NKJV 9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; Hebrews 7:25 NKJV 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. I. Jesus Prays for Us! Jesus Prays for Us!   II. Why is Jesus Praying for Us? Verse 11 Jesus tells us why He is praying for us. He says, “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one.”  Jesus prays for us because we are in this world but not of this world.  Jude verse 24 says, 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy John 13:35 NKJV Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, that you have love for one another.”  Jesus prays for us because He knows we need each another.  Verse 15 Jesus says, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”   Verse 18 answers the question. “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”   Jesus prays for us because we have a purpose to fulfill

“When you are captivated by Jesus, He holds your full attention.” Isn't this what we are all praying for? Oh that the generations following behind us would be captivated by Jesus! Listen in to hear how this is actually happening as today Stacy welcomes the one and only Sadie Robertson Huff to the podcast.  Sadie loves the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength and she is sharing this love with her generation as speaker, best-selling author, and founder of Live Original. Truly the Lord's faithfulness continues to every generation. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Sadie Robertson Huff is a speaker, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Influencer, and Founder of Live Original. Communicating as a sister and friend, Huff is on a mission to use her influence to reach her generation with the message of Christ. Huff is the host of the popular podcast WHOA, That's Good, which reached more than a million unique downloads after only 15 episodes. Her Live Original Blog, features encouraging and transparent messages from Huff and her closest friends. She recently launched her exclusive, online community and App, LO Sister, which is designed to cultivate sisterhood through bible studies and workshops. You can learn more about Sadie Robertson Huff at LiveOrginal.com or by following her on Instagram @legitsadierob. BOOKS BY SADIE ROBERTSON HUFF:  Who Are You Following? Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values Live Original Devotional Life Just Got Real: A Live Original Novel LINKS: Live Original MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? Find Out More!  PRAY with Moms in Your Community for Your Children Support Our Mission SCRIPTURES: (NIV unless noted) For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 What has been will be again,what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 (NKJV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Enjoy a message from Pastors Ken and Holly Cramer from our brand new series: Money Talks *Notes below Alignment- A position of agreement or alliance. Deuteronomy 14:29 - 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 15:10 - Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 23:20 - 20 You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 28:8 - 8 The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. Deuteronomy 28:12 (NIV84) - 12 The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. Begin with first things, they always belong to God. Exodus 13:2, Exodus 13:12–13 (NIV84), Exodus 23:19 Here is the Principle of First Things: The Tithe (first ten percent), firstborn, and first fruits all belong to God. Once they are given over to Him, He blesses the rest. Romans 11:16 (NKJV), Proverbs 3:9–10 (NKJV) Jesus is God's First Fruits. He was sacrificed to bring us out of sin and darkness. Romans 5:8 (NIV84), Romans 8:29 (NIV84), Matthew 16:25 (NIV84)- Agreement- A negotiated and binding arrangement between parties to an agreed-upon course of action. Amos 3:3 (NIV84), Matthew 12:25 (NIV84) Come to terms with your Spouse regarding money: 1.) Do a date night and write one word with a marker on an index card to say what money means to each of you. 2.) Based on each of those words, write your household goals regarding money. Examples might be: Retire by age 60, Be Debt Free in ten years, Have a regular family vacation, etc. 3.) Establish roles for the processing of money. Who pays the bills, who keeps the files in order, etc. 4.) Establish a regular household finance meeting. Suggestion: Do it whenever you get paid. Determine when and where you want to have the meeting. Share how much you have, what needs to be paid and when, what's leftover, and any progress you are making on your goals. 5.) Create a spending plan/budget. This step will be talked about in next week's message.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NKJV "For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.." John 14:6 NKJV Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Romans 10:9-13 NKJV "..that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. [13] For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Pastor J, Founding Pastor, House of Prayer FC Instagram: hopfounder95 Twitter: hopfounder95 Facebook: James Jackson

John records that: 'Jesus...rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself...poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, 'Lord, are You washing my feet?" (Luke 13:3-6 NKJV) Jesus didn't wait for His disciples to make the first move, He went first. He taught that in order to serve God you must be willing to lay aside your IMAGE, your COMFORT and your AGENDA. And He dramatized it in a way His disciples would never forget. By laying aside His garments He showed them God has no time for form or fashion. Real ministry is not IMAGE CONSCIOUS; it's done with a complete LOSS of DISTINCTION. God incarnate clothed Himself in HUMILITY. Amazing! But Peter didn't get it. He was embarrassed to think that His Lord would allow Himself to be seen in such demeaning light. So Jesus said, 'You call Me Teacher and Lord...lf l then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For l have given you an EXAMPLE, that you should do as l have done to you...lf you know these things, blessed are you if you do them' (John 13:13-17 NKJV). If you want to be blessed, don't join the 'SPIRITUAL ELITISTS' who are impressed by their own speeches and display their own accomplishments. Lay aside everything you privately glory in and pick up the TOWEL OF SERVANT-HOOD. And don't wait for others. Somebody at your table needs to START a TREND. Today let it be you! God's servant Rev Alfred Acheampong Prayer Point: Heavenly Father, today l pick up the towel of servant-hood, so l could serve God and humanity in humility and love in Jesus name. Anchor Scripture: 'JESUS...LAID ASIDE HIS GARMENTS...' (John 13:3-4 NKJV) Stay Blessed! YearOfSupernaturalProvision

Eternal life “Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:13-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” ‭‭John‬ ‭7:37-39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There's no better way to leave whatever's harassing, tormenting, manipulating you, there's no better place for restoration and healing than gathering around the Lord's table, and walking away with a renewed mindset, renewed trust in Jesus.  1 Peter 5:7,AMP- Casting all your cares, all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares about you with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully. This is why our faith is absolutely vital, anyone who comes to God must believe… Believe He is a burden removing, bondage destroying, barrier braking God. The God of peace that passes understanding. So today, come to the Lord's table with a divine expectation. And let these words from Jesus settle into your thinking. John 14:1,NKJV- Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. v.27, Jesus repeats His point, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Seriously, if the Almighty, my Heavenly Father tells me to not let my heart be troubled… If He tells me I'm victorious, forgiven, blessed, prosperous, favored, healed, why wouldn't I accept what He says as truth?  1 Corinthians 15:57,AMP- Thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory making us conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans tells us we are more than conquerors. Then Paul tells us to imitate him like he imitates Christ. Say what he says, do what he does. Think about it, why shouldn't I say what my Father says about me?After all, Jesus told us, rivers of living water will flow from our born again nature. Psalm 34, How blessed, fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God is the man who takes refuge in Him. Unfortunately, human nature has made it very clear that as long as we can live without more of God, we will. Whether you've walked with Jesus most of your life, or you're just starting your journey,  Because of human nature, because we have an enemy, there will be times when we question God, our relationship with Him, His promises, our failures, things we don't understand, etc... And it's in those times that being able to come to the Lord's table, free of all sin, made completely righteous by His sacrifice, can be an absolute life changer for us. The reason I talk about communion before we take it is because we all need reminded from time to time that communion is this divinely inspired place of revelation from the Father.  It allows us the opportunity to acknowledge that Jesus alone made us worthy to stand in His presence.  He's counting on us embracing the fact that He made us heirs to the Kingdom through what He suffered. Today as we gather around the Lords table, let the Holy Spirit help you see His crucifixion, His sacrifice as so much more than just our passage to Heaven. May the eyes of our understanding be enlightened, that we can embrace the hope of His calling, so that we can walk in the exceeding greatness of His power. John 6:51,NKJV- “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever...” Earlier in this same gospel Jesus told us, the Father is looking for those who will come to Him with the recognition of who He is. With a humble attitude of worship. Those who will worship Him in spirit and truth. The Samaritan women is a beautiful picture of God's divine love, destroying racial agenda, reaching past moral failure to extend His true nature. While we're here, something else Jesus constantly brought to light was the destructive nature of religious tradition. John 4:10,NKJV- Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” v.14,NKJV-“but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” Here's the thing we've got to keep out in front of us as we follow Jesus. He said, “I only do the will of My Father who sent Me.” John 10:10,(paraphrase), I came from Heaven to give you a rich and satisfying life. A better life than you've ever dreamed of. A life to enjoy in abundance, to the full, till it overflows. Communion isn't just acknowledging Jesus' sacrifice, it's embracing and reverencing the fact that Jesus actually restored us to our rightful place with God. Today as we honor and reverence our King's sacrifice, let His Spirit minister to you, embrace what Jesus did, what He said, and embrace who you are because of Him. This is why having moments like this, around the Lord's table allow us the privilege of drawing closer to Him.  Something very important to remember is that communion is something a Christian can practice anytime you feel led to. Remember, Jesus has already made us alive together with Him and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Him. Understand, we're not just citizens of Heaven, we're heirs to the Kingdom, appointed ambassadors of our King, assigned here to establish His kingdom.  And there is no better place to be reminded, no better place for fresh perspective, no better place to draw closer to Jesus than around the Lord's table. I tell you this all the time, communion is one of the most spiritual things the born-again can take part in. In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Corinthians we receive the very same revelation from Jesus concerning communion. The bread is His broken body and the cup is the blood of His new covenant. Regardless of what you may be facing, let today's communion encourage you that you are made whole by His broken body and shed blood. They are still declaring, "It is finished." As we worship Jesus today with communion, as we draw closer to Him, may our spirits see Jesus and all that He accomplished for us clearer than ever before. My prayer today is that everyone of us  see Jesus with a fresh perspective as we partake of the cup and the bread. 1 Corinthians 10:16,NLT- When we bless the cup at the Lord's Table, aren't we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren't we sharing in the body of Christ? Let today's talk remind all of us of His supreme sacrifice. Let todays communion helps us discern in a little more depth the fear of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:30,NKJV- For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.v.29, For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. By faith, acknowledge Jesus' body being broken so that yours can be whole. Matthew 8:16-17,NLT- That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and He healed all the sick.This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases. Today, let's come to the Lord's table with a fresh understanding that Jesus' broken body and shed blood provide deliverance for us, spirit, soul, and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23,MSG- May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master. When Jesus told us in John that He came to gives us live, He literally meant, wholeness to our spirit, soul, and body. Let today's communion help you see Jesus with a fresh perspective as we partake of the cup and the bread.

How do we gain more respect in our relationships? In this week's podcast episode titled "Respect", I break down the importance of setting the tone for how we want to be treated in our relationships by how we treat ourselves. This includes: setting boundaries, communicating our needs, and showing respect to others. Let me know what you think about this week's episode down in the RATING/REVIEW section. Be sure to follow me on Instagram @ReconstructHER! Definition: Respect (n) - due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. (Oxford Languages) Biblical References: Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV) - Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Luke 6:31 (NLT) - Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Luke 6:35 (NKJV) - But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Luke 6:38 (NLT) - Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full --- pressed down, shaken together to make room for more running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reconstructher/support

History is sprinkled with revolts against kings, nations, and governments that were considered oppressive. When studied, it looks like everybody and their mother revolted about something down through the millennia. Some of the revolts were small and localized, others were larger. Some encompassed a nation (or nations) struggling for freedom from a larger and stronger oppressor. The list of historical revolts of one kind or another number into the hundreds. I am not a fan of Wikipedia because they are generally biased on all things conservative but look under the list of revolts. It is a colossal list of revolts from all quarters of the globe. The list refers to humans revolting against other humans for numerous reasons. The revolts are of this realm or of the natural world. The greatest revolts and rebellions in history are not referred to by Wikipedia because they have been spiritual and not based on natural concerns, ideology, or politics. I am writing about the massive revolts against God’s Word that permeate spiritual history. I am referring to the revolt against the Father’s moral authority and order in the universe. The first great revolt or rebellion happened in Heaven. Lucifer tried to usurp God’s throne. Big mistake! That insurrection was joined by a third of the angelic host that supported Lucifer’s short-lived attempt to dethrone God and set up a new kingdom. Huge mistake! It was an uprising doomed to failure from its inception. No one can dethrone God the Father! (See Isaiah 14:12-17, Ezekiel 28:12-19, and Revelation 12:7-9.) [i] We know about Adam and Eve’s rebellion and how that affected the planet, and everybody born in it. (Genesis 3) That treason and revolt against God’s commandments required the redemption paid for by Jesus through His death and resurrection. There was the rebellion against God that led to the worldwide flood in the time of Noah.  Wickedness, corruption, and violence filled the earth to the place that it needed washing, cleansing, and a fresh start. (Genesis 6) We are set for a fresh start, and I don’t mean a globalist and demon-inspired “reset”. I mean that we are ready for the melting of the elements and a new heaven and new earth. So much foolishness is being spread about global climate change (formerly global warming). Don’t worry about a little temperature change because the earth will melt like a snowball in hell, and God will make a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells! But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men….But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:7, 10-13 NKJV) Jesus said the condition of the earth right before He returns will be as it was in the days of Noah. When the Son of Man appears, things will be just as they were when Noah lived. (Matthew 24:37 CEV)  Just as it was when Noah lived [in the days of Noah; Genesis 6--9], so it will be ·when the Son of Man comes again [ in the days of the Son of Man]. (Luke 17:26 EXB) What was it like in the days of Noah? The Lord saw that the wickedness (depravity) of man was great on the earth, and that every imagination or intent of the thoughts of his heart were only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5 AMP) That means that when Jesus returns that people without God will be extremely wicked (depraved), full of violence, and every inclination of the thoughts of their minds will be only evil all the time. That sounds almost identical to the demonrat political platform! The [population of the] earth was corrupt [absolutely depraved—spiritually and morally putrid] in God’s sight, and the land was filled with violence [desecration, infringement, outrage, assault, and lust for power]. (Genesis 6:11 AMP) Jesus said that it would be like that before His coming back to the earth. The depravity and wickedness we see on the earth today should not be a surprise. The depiction of the world in the days of Noah describes our world today. The days of Noah have begun. There is no question. Biblical prophecy has come to pass right before our eyes. Something happened March/April of 2020 that had never happened before since the inauguration of the church on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. It caused the entire church on a worldwide scale to bow down in a revolt against God’s Word, commandments, and the example of the apostles and leaders of the church in Acts. Again, none of the above should surprise us because Jesus prophesied that a great revolt or rebellion would happen, and Paul clearly taught about it. Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessnessis revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 NIV) Note the following Bible version: Do not let anyone fool [deceive] you in any way. That day of the Lord [v. 2] will not come until the turning away from God [great rebellion; apostasy; Matt. 24:11–12; 1Tim. 4:1; 2Tim. 3:1–5; 2Pet. 2:3; Jude 18] happens and the Man of Evil [Wickedness; Lawlessness; probably the Antichrist; 1John 2:18; Rev. 13], who is on his way to hell [the son of destruction; John 17:12], appears. (2Thessalonians 2:3 EXB) That is an unusual version because the connected references in Scripture are injected into the verse. It’s a little distracting when trying to read a verse, but it is also informative and a quick reference to other verses that have a similar theme. Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed]. (2 Thessalonians 2:3 Amplified) Note the word “rebellion” in verse three. Older translations use the word apostasy, but that is a transliteration and not a definition of the original Greek word apostasia. The word apostasia means a departing from, but more importantly here, it means a rebellion or revolt. Bible versions CEB, DRA, ESV, GW, GNT, ISV, LEB, TLB, MOUNCE, NOG, NET, NLT, and 10 others besides the three I already gave you, translate the Greek word apostasia as either rebellion or revolt. [ii] That means that 25 translations favor revolt or rebellion. I am using the word revolt because it better defines what I am referring to. The great revolt is a massive departure from the Word of God and a rejection of His moral authority. Here is one of the versions that translates apostasia as “revolt.”    Don’t let anyone deceive you about this in any way. That day cannot come unless a revolt takes place first, and the man of sin, the man of destruction, is revealed. (2 Thessalonians 2:3 GNT) The great revolt has begun on a massive scale! Here is a reference to this revolt in the words of Jesus. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:11-14 NKJV) That refers to the great rebellion or revolt, and it also signals a great move of God that will shake the earth right before the coming of the Lord! I’ll say more about the greatest revival this earth has ever seen a little further down in the article. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV) Many churches showed that they lacked spiritual power in their religious tradition when they closed their door upon the whim of perverted government officials. We are living in the actual fulfillment of these prophetic verses right now. Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. (1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV) Yes, the church on a worldwide scale was deceived (with rare exceptions) into a revolt against Heaven! They received the Covid-19 doctrine of demons and shut down their churches in obedience to Satan. The revolt or great rebellion is not something that is coming, it is something that has already begun on a global scale. I've never seen anything like this and neither has anyone else since the beginning or inauguration of the church in Acts 2. No one has ever seen where the entire church on a worldwide scale has shut down operations.[iii] Yet, many pastors and churches are acting as if nothing happened and are not addressing the HUGE deception in every church that shut down. Yes, I know there were a VERY few exceptions of churches that refused to close, but nothing on this scale. It’s like having a wooly mammoth in the room and denying its existence! Pastors and churches are trying to sweep the behemoth under the rug! How can anyone be so blind as to not see it stomping around among them? I used to have a neighbor living above me in an apartment complex that would stomp around almost every morning to get ready to go to work. I wondered if she was a part of the Broadway production “Stomp” and was practicing her part every morning. This woman may have weighed 120 pounds soaking wet, and yet she stomped around as though she were a 12-ton elephant! I could set my watch by her stomping at 5:30 AM every weekday. At first it was bothersome, but I got used to it. No use in talking to management about it because no one would have believed that such a small woman could be so heavy on her feet! Christians have a huge prehistoric creature like the wooly mammoth stomping around in their churches and yet they refuse to see it! It truly is a bizarre time in Christianity. Again, I have never witnessed anything like it. Nobody I have asked has lived through anything like this in all their years. I’ve asked people in their 80’s and up and no one has seen it before. I’ve read books on church history throughout the ages since its inauguration in Acts 2. There is no record of something like this on a global scale. There were city, state, or national persecutions and forced church closures. There were and are many of those, but churches closing on a global scale in a unified revolt against the Word of God, that has NEVER happened before! Some persecutions were so severe that it led to the beating, imprisonment, and martyrdom of many church leaders and their flocks. Church history is full of stories of small and great persecutions against Christians, Persecution started early in the book of Acts. Sometimes Christians had to flee to get away from the destruction of the wicked against them, but never, no, NEVER, has the entire church shut down operations worldwide! What could this possibly be other than a GREAT FALLING AWAY, great revolt, or REBELLION? The church has rebelled on a massive scale. They have rebelled against God's Word and have done so publicly and brazenly. Yes, there were a few exceptions, but when all but a handful of churches in the USA and a few in Canada stayed open, something horrific has happened! This massive revolt against God is being swept under the rug and ignored as though it will go away on its own. It will not go away without repentance! The Great Revolt and Rebellion Against God All that I am going to mention here requires the public ministry of the church. When churches closed they rebelled and revolted against what God has commanded churches to do. *Most churches closed operations on a global scale in opposition or in rebellion to Hebrews 10:25 and the example in the book of Acts. Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 AMPC) The more you see the day of the coming of the Lord approaching, should all the churches close their doors? NO! The more we should be faithful to assemble! To assemble is not via video chat but in person ministry. There is no such thing as assembling long-distance. It happens ONLY when the saints get together to worship the Lord, teach and preach, and minister as the Spirit leads. NOWHERE in the entire New Testament are we told to shut down our churches because the government tells us to. Many in the churches foolishly took their stand and said, “Oh, but we closed because we are supposed to be under the authority of the government according to Romans 13! We were obedient to the governing authorities.” We should be subject to the ruling authorities UNTIL the governing authority commands us to disobey the Scripture! That is the dividing line. We follow the laws of the land UNTIL the laws violate the Word, then we must choose obeying the Word of God without exception. God is first! His Word is our supreme authority. Nothing is bigger than God, and nothing is above His Word, not even His Name! (Psalms 138:2) The early Church would not stop preaching in the Name of Jesus even after severe warnings, threats of imprisonment, or beatings. The “ruling authorities” commanded them to stop, but they would not do it. They would not shut up or shut down! They were following the Highest authority! But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. (Acts 4:17-20 NIV) Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail… “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood. Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!... They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (Acts 5:17-18, 28-29, 40-42 NIV) Threaten them, command them not to preach and teach, jail them, and beat them with whips, and they go right back out to continue with their ministry! They NEVER stopped! That is what the churches should have done, but they didn’t! They were told to shut down and they disobeyed the Scripture and the example of the apostles in the book of Acts, and they bowed their knee to Covid restrictions and mandates! Repent! Do it now, and then repent publicly because your actions were public when you surrendered to the world and the devil! Churches rebelled and revolted against gathering to continually to hear the Word. (See 2 Timothy chapters 3 and 4.) *Churches rebelled against ministering from their pulpits and having altar calls for people to be saved, ministers stopped going, and people were not getting baptized in water. It was a revolt against the great commission in Matthew 28:19 and it was a revolt against Mark 16:17,18 on casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, and laying hands on the sick. We are supposed to heal the sick, and not be afraid of any disease! Churches allowed the devil to stop their healing ministry to the sick, many of them for months! Ministries with “healing rooms” closed their doors! What? Ministers with healing ministries were afraid of a virus with a 99.97 % survivability post infection rate, and they donned their masks and practiced everything the wicked ordered them to do! Could you imagine that. You have a healing ministry but closed because of a virus? What kind of cowards does that make these people? Please, I beg you to repent because the Body of Christ shouldn't have to do without you.  Others in dead or dying churches were not doing the Word anyway with their sissified and corrupted ministries of preaching fluffy cotton-candy messages. They didn’t believe in healing anyway. These must also be confronted with the truth that THEY SINNED, and that they must repent, that is, IF they want mercy and grace from the Lord. If they don’t repent, their fate is already sealed with the enemy. They need to get out of that stinking religious trash and begin to preach the Word without compromise. *The Church revolted against the Table of the Lord (communion) instituted by Jesus. (1 Corinthians 11:25-30) *The Church revolted and rebelled against laying hands on people to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak with other tongues. (Acts 10:44-46, 8: 19:6) *The Church rebelled and revolted in its healing ministry and anointing the sick with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14-16) *The Church revolted against performing weddings ordained by God between a man and a woman. (1Corinthians 7:1-4) *The church rebelled and revolted against true religion. (James 1:27) The list could go on. Instead of the church being a beacon of light on the hill, it became the lamp under the table with all its mask wearing! It became Moses when he came from the glory and presence of God on Sinai, and so much glory was coming from his face that he had to veil it! The world veiled the glory (whatever glory was in it) of the church and masked them as a mockery to the Word! Do you understand now that a REVOLT or REBELLION has been sustained by most churches on a worldwide scale for the better part of a year? Do you realize that most Churches all over the planet are guilty of a revolt and rebellion against Heaven? Following is what Samuel told Saul when he did not recognize his own disobedience and rebellion to the Word of the Lord. Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obedience to the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed [is better] than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), and disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you as king. (1 Samuel 15:22-23 AMP) REBELLION is equivalent to the practice of witchcraft and idolatry. The church worldwide submitted to idolatry and witchcraft when they rebelled globally against the Word of God! Every single church that closed submitted to rebellion and a revolt against God’s authority, and as such pastors, ministers, and churches must repent by the millions. Globally, right now, there should be massive repentance, but I don't see it anywhere. Many are acting like it never happened. Do you see massive repentance? Do you see congregations and pastors coming to repentance on social media or on their church websites? Churches are starting to open but without any remorse or repentance. Do you think they will have the presence of the Lord without repentance? Do you think there will be any anointing there? I am sorry to burst your bubble (not sorry at all), but those that rejected the Word of the Lord are rejected by God until they repent. Why are not churches and pastors repenting for rebellion, witchcraft, and idolatry? Why? Why don't they feel the need to repent? Where is the remorse for sin and unrighteousness? Yet I am glad now, not because you were hurt and made sorry, but because your sorrow led to repentance [and you turned back to God]; for you felt a grief such as God meant you to feel, so that you might not suffer loss in anything on our account. For [godly] sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but worldly sorrow [the hopeless sorrow of those who do not believe] produces death. For [you can look back and] see what an earnestness and authentic concern this godly sorrow has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves [against charges that you tolerate sin], what indignation [at sin], what fear [of offending God], what longing [for righteousness and justice], what passion [to do what is right], what readiness to punish [those who sin and those who tolerate sin]! At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in the matter. (2 Corinthians 7:9-11 AMP) What is the condition of a person that refuses to repent or of a person that can’t even see their sin like Saul? Should they expect the presence of the Lord? Will the Lord come to their aid unless they repent? Will the Holy Spirit be among the rebellious that have yielded to idolatry and witchcraft? Is it the right Biblical perspective to believe the Spirit of the Lord will be among those that resist Him? Are all the non-repentant for their rebellion against the Word of the Lord to expect God's anointing and victory? Are pastors that refuse to repent for their rebellion to believe that they will be OK because of grace? Remember Saul's rebellion! If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV) For this is what the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing. (Isaiah 30:15 NKJV) Many are expecting a great end-time revival. I am too. Great manifestations of God’s glory will come to pass, but will that happen without repentance? Only where there is humility and repentance will grace flow like a river. The prideful and rebellious get NOTHING from God! Thank God for the gift of repentance! Thank God for His mercy and goodness! He never fails to forgive and cleanse from unrighteousness all those that will humble themselves and repent of their wicked ways and turn back to God! If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9 NASB) The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy. (Proverbs 28:13 NET) But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble… Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. (James 4:6, 10 NET) All over the world, there is a deadness among most Christians of all denominations. Even among those that were anointed, until they repent for revolting against Heaven there will be no anointing. If they don’t repent of their rebellion, they will perish. I tell you, No; but unless you repent (change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), you will all likewise perish and be lost eternally. … I tell you, No; but unless you repent (change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), you will all likewise perish and be lost eternally. (Luke 13:3, 5 AMPC) There is still as little time to repent, but the time is quickly ending. The reality is I am not holding my breath expecting all those that bowed their knee to repent. I hope they do, but like the false prophetess Jezebel, the Lord will give the rebellious time to repent, but eventually, that will end. Jesus said that! I gave her time to repent [to change her inner self and her sinful way of thinking], but she has no desire to repent of her immorality and refuses to do so. Listen carefully, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her [I will bring] into great anguish, unless they repent of her deeds. (Revelation 2:21-22 AMPC) Lord, do Your eyes not look for honesty? You have struck them, But they did not weaken; You have consumed them, But they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to repent. (Jeremiah 5:3 NKJV) I have listened and heard, They have spoken what is not right; No one repented of his wickedness, Saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turned to his own course, Like a horse charging into the battle. (Jeremiah 8:6 NKJV) If one does not repent, He will sharpen His sword; He has bent His bow and taken aim. (Psalms 7:12 NKJV) This is what the Lord God says: “Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.” (Ezekiel 14:6 NKJV) For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18:32 NKJV) Never postpone repentance! Never! Postponing repentance is like playing Russian roulette consistently with a .44 magnum revolver! Sooner or later, the one who plays will eat a bullet! It could cost you eternity with God and you wind up in a devil’s hell if you postpone repentance. The great revolt or rebellion has begun! Don’t be fooled! It’s here now for all to see. It is not the time for “nice” preaching. Too much is at stake. “Nice” will not save or deliver anybody! The church NEEDS voices proclaiming strongly and consistently, “Repent, and get ready to meet the Bridegroom! He is coming!” Have you ever read the parable of the ten virgins? “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish [thoughtless, silly, and careless], and five were wise [far-sighted, practical, and sensible]. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any [extra] oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delayed, they all began to nod off, and they fell asleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! The bridegroom [is coming]! Go out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order [trimmed the wicks and added oil and lit them]. But the foolish virgins said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No, otherwise there will not be enough for us and for you, too; go instead to the dealers and buy oil for yourselves.’ But while they were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. Later the others also came, and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open [the door] for us.’ But He replied, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship].’ Therefore, be on the alert [be prepared and ready], for you do not know the day nor the hour [when the Son of Man will come]. (Matthew 25:1-13 AMP) Five were devoid of oil for their lamps or the anointing that produces light or the fire of the Spirit. They had no oil for their lamps. They were not ready to meet the Lord. The five alert virgins with oil for their lamps were slumbering but got ready and they went into the wedding banquet with the Lord. The door was slammed shut and the five unprepared virgins were left outside with the words, "I never knew you." No one in the Church will be able to hang on to anybody else’s coattail and go in to meet the Lord when He comes. That is what the 5 unprepared virgins tried. You will not be able to rest on granny’s, uncle’s, mama’s, dad’s, pastor’s, or your church’s supply of oil. You will need your own “oil”! Get it now and do not wait till the last moment because while you are struggling to get right with God and get the anointing, the Master will come, and you will be left out! Now, here is something startling about that prophetic Word. Could the five unprepared virgins mean that half of the people that call themselves Christians will be left out because they are not going to be ready to meet the Lord when He comes for them? Yes, I believe that is exactly what that means, but then there is the other glorious side to this. Could the five prepared virgins mean that even though the church looks basically dead right now because it almost universally shut down in a revolt against Heaven, that the Lord is going to work on the Church in one final moment of time before His coming and that half of all Christendom will be ready to go meet Him? Wow! Could that mean that something so glorious and so powerful is going to happen in Christendom before the Lord comes that out of the 2.5 billion professing Christians 1.25 billion will be ready to meet the Bridegroom? Because of what is getting ready to explode on the scene, what kind of numbers could we be talking about? It is going to be staggering. Glory to God! What kind of Church is He going to present to Himself? Is it going to be a decrepit, run down, powerless, gutless, cowering, fearful, capitulating, compromising, unfaithful, and whoring Church? NO!    So that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God], so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless. (Ephesians 5:26, 27 AMP) His real and true Church will be a glorious church without the spot or wrinkle of sin or any such thing when it is presented to Him! Something is getting ready to happen that will shake the Body of Christ to its core. In fact, I believe it will shake the planet with God’s power and deliver such a blow to the enemy’s camp that the kingdom of darkness will never recover. Something so powerful and so amazing is getting ready to happen that it will cause people to turn to God by the millions. Many have prophesied about a move of God that will cover the globe right before the coming of the Lord, and I believe we are starting to see it come to pass right now! Where? As an example, when churches all over the planet shut down, I know of two churches in my area that refused to shut down and cave to the false prophets of Covid. For these churches, 2020 was the greatest year in their history, and 2021 is even bigger. By April of 2021, all of 2020 was surpassed in both churches! Miraculous ministry growth and multiplication is taking place. Both churches have multiplied in size, outreach, income, and most importantly, in souls coming into the kingdom! The anointing has increased exponentially in these churches! It has been an amazing testimony that I have had the privilege to watch up close and personal. If your church closed, NEVER go back unless the pastor repents publicly for rebellion and a revolt against Heaven. Find a church that never closed its doors, and if you are too far away from one that did not surrender to Satan’s lies, ask the Lord if you can start one in your area! The Lord is calling the few and the strong in Him to start churches in their areas that will not compromise the Scripture no matter what happens. Download a free PDF copy of “A CALL TO RETURN: Restoring the Roots of our Relationship with Jesus” here unless you want to pay for a physical copy or purchase more. Barnes and Noble, Christian Book , Westbow Press have it available. It would be good seed to get extra copies and send them out. It would benefit the Kingdom of God. The church at large needs this message more right now than ever before! Buy a thousand copies and send them out! I receive VERY little per copy sold. Making money was never the reason for the book. The point of the book was and is to bring to repentance the lukewarm and backslidden in the churches, and to help get the Church ready to be presented to the Lord.  What can you do to help? You can help get this timely message out by sending this article to everybody you know. Forward the podcast. Send them "A Call To Return." Do your part to get this message out. Be like an evangelist and be fervent about it!  If you have any questions on all the false Covid 19 policies and procedures imposed by the CDC, Fauci, and local government officials, please go to my previous articles and there you will find all the info you need debunking it all. NOTES: [i] Some reject this interpretation of these verses but there are many reasons to believe it is right. [ii] The three-letter abbreviations refer to Bible translations or versions. Find them at http://biblegateway.com. [iii] Only a handful of churches remained open in North America. These are led by HERO pastors, my kind of heroes! All of them were arrested at one point or another, and even now, a few pastors are in jail in Canada for keeping their churches open. Now on to today's podcast message: 

(John 18:11) “So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”” ‭‭John‬ ‭18:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Jesus knew the pain awaiting him. He knew the cup of suffering was planned before the foundation of the earth for the redemption of mankind. He knew he was going to be made sin for man. The thought of the shame, ridicule, beatings, nailing on the cross, being given unpleasant drink - vinegar. Also going to the pit of hell were all heart-wrenching. Jesus was intentional about going through the pain for our deliverance. It all turned out into victory. His blood, death and ressurection brought about our freedom - our salvation and ability to be like God. We all have a cup to drink. We all have a certain ‘cup of suffering' we will individually drink of, when we become a part of the family of God through embracing the death and resurrection of Jesus for our sins. This cup of suffering, for example, could be brokenness, rejection by friends, being misunderstood by friends and families. Father, we pray for fresh grace to be willing to obey you, in all, completely. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/abimbola-arawande/message

For‭ Christ‭ also‭ suffered‭‭ once‭ for‭ sins‭, the just‭ for‭ the unjust‭, that‭ He might bring‭‭ us‭ to God‭, being put to death‭‭‭ in the flesh‭ but‭ made alive‭‭ by the Spirit‭,‭ (1Peter 3:18, NKJV) Jesus died to bring us to God! That is the message of the cross. Through His death, burial and resurrection, we have access to the Father, not only in eternity, but now! Think of it! Because of Jesus, I can freely approach the most powerful, wise, and creative personality in the universe. He is my Father, and He loves me and cares for me. There are times in my life when my need for the Father is acute! When I need comfort, when I need peace, when I need healing, when I need wisdom, my Father is always there, able and willing to provide. Without Jesus I could not approach Him. He’s too holy, and I have wandered so far away. But because of the cross, I am forgiven and I am cleansed. Jesus bore my sins and brought me into the family. In this world of confusion and chaos, faith in the Gospel is what we most need. We can rest in what He did, rather than trying to prove ourselves as acceptable. Jesus made peace through the blood of the cross. When we receive Him as Lord and Savior, all that the Father has is ours! Enjoy this audio podcast which I preached at the Country Church in Ruthton, Minnesota recently. I believe it will encourage and refresh your heart. Check out these other messages… You Can Know God Personally! How to Activate the Gospel [Audio] His Resurrection is Our Resurrection Father God's Amazing Love!

S - 6 Ways to Deal with Stress   1. Worldly Ideas (not all bad provided not in conflict with Bible).   Recently read this:   Stress can best be described as emotional, physical or mental tension. We feel it in our bodies and brains. Others may notice changes in how we act. Stress is a healthy part of the human experience but can get out of hand. Difficulties that overwhelm us at work, school, family life, finances, relationships, or our own health issues can trigger an unpleasant stress response.   Changes related to COVID, economics, travel restrictions, increasing product demand, quarantining, friends and family being sick, school, work, routine, and health in the past year have resulted in high stress levels for many in our communities.    Common signs of stress include irritability, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, body aches, lack of goals, and poor decision making. Long term stress without adequate relief can cause health difficulties, including high blood pressure or exacerbation of preexisting concerns. Substance use and disordered eating patterns can increase during times of stress.  Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help. .. When you notice signs of stress, practice deep breathing. An easy and effective technique is 4/4/4/4- breathe in, hold with lungs full, breathe out, hold with lungs empty- do each to a count of 4.  Another technique is visualization. Visualize a calming scene. You may have a place picked out, or you can use a variety found online. Imagine as much detail as you can.  Exercise creates brain chemicals that lift our mood and lower stress levels. While a run is nice, don't forget that even a short stroll or a 3 min stretch is more helpful than nothing.  Talk with others- even if you don't want to spill the tea, simply making small talk can be soothing. Connection keeps us out of fight/flight mode.  Research has shown being outside has a positive effect on mental health. Even 5 mins is beneficial- spend as much as you can. Take a break outside. 2. Honor the Sabbath Scriptures related to this Ex 16:26 "Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”"   Ex 20:8 "“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."   Ex 20:10-11 - "but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it" Ex 31:16-17 NKJV - “Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is  a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” Lev 16:31 "It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever." Lev 25:4 "but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath to the Lord. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard." Lev 25:8 Year or Jubilee "And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years." 155 results on search term "sabbath" in NKJV Jesus corrected some abuses by the Pharisees who had lost the spirit of the law, He said that He was lord of the Sabbath, and that it was OK to do good on the Sabbath, like healing.  He also said that the Sabbath was for man, man was not for the Sabbath. In Romans Paul spoke of Gentiles being grafted in. Since God said this command to honor the sabbath was a perpetual covenant, a statute forever, and we are grafted in, I believe God is commanding us today to honor the sabbath.  I personally don't agree with the change from Saturday to Sunday and don't see a justification for that in scripture, but my main point here is that one way, God's way, to handle stress and the pressures of work is to honor the Sabbath and take one day a week where you do no work.   3. Primarily think on God and His Word.  Joshua 1:8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."   Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he [b]meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the [c]rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - NKJV For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, Col 3:2 NKJV Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Phil 4:8 NKJV “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are  noble, whatever things are  just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are  lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Meditate - I understand the meaning is similar to the action of a cow chewing the cud.  a cow has 4 stomachs. They chew grass, swallow, spit it back up, chew, swallow, spit it back up, etc.   4. Trust in Him (Snuggling up to God) Matt 11:28-30 NKJV "28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”" Prov 3:5-6 NKJV "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [a]direct your paths." Ex 33:17 -  So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” John 10:11 "“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." John 10:2-4 "But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice" Luke 12:6 " “Are not five sparrows sold for two [b]copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Rev 2:17 "“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” " Deut 31:8 "And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”" 1 Peter 5:7 "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."   5. Do Battle with What You Don't See Eph 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting." from “Liberating the Bruised” by Dr Joe Albright Morning prayer “Lord, I submit to you my will; my rights; my life; my family; my ministry; my finances; my needs; my desires; my direction; and my flesh. ‘Lord, search me, try me, see if there be any wicked way in me.’ Remove those things that need to be removed from my life and bring into my life those things that need to be brought in. For, I confess to you that you are all I have and all I want and all I need. For men, think about idolatry and sexual sin Read about Josiah in 2 Kings, and how he cleaned the house P92-be an iconoclast "a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions"-if they don't align with God's word, not only is that displeasing to God, but it can be a huge source of stress for you that you weren't even aware of   6. Connect with friends and mentors - avoid isolation Proverbs 11;14 "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Prov 27:10 "Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away." Virtual "watercooler" Call someone up     E   Steve paying a refund personally rather than wait for Onpassive   L Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 A No longer a part of OnPassive or encouraging others to join   H   We make time for the things that are important to us

And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. (Luke 7:36-38, NKJV) Jesus’ dinner engagement with a Pharisee became a teachable moment when a woman of the city who was a sinner entered the dining room and began to wash Jesus’ feet with tears, wipe them with her hair, kiss them, and anoint them with a precious ointment. This woman’s love and devotion for Jesus was contrasted to the inhospitable behavior of the Pharisee, and as a result of her faith and her actions, she was forgiven of her sins. Join Susan and me as we explore this touching story from Luke 7:36-50 and see how it relates to our own approach to God, and how to treat Jesus. God bless you! Check out these messages… An Encounter with Jesus [Audio & Video] Touching Jesus [Audio & Video] Jesus Has Time for You! [Audio & Video]

‭“And‭ you will‭‭ hear‭‭ of wars‭ and‭ rumors‭ of wars‭. See‭‭ that you are‭‭ not‭ troubled‭‭; for‭ all‭ ‭these things‭ must‭‭ come to pass‭‭, but‭ the end‭ is‭‭ not yet‭.‭ For‭ nation‭ will rise‭‭ against‭ nation‭, and‭ kingdom‭ against‭ kingdom‭. And‭ there will be‭‭ famines‭,‭ pestilences‭, and‭ earthquakes‭ in various‭ places‭.‭ All‭‭ these‭ ‭are‭ the beginning‭ of sorrows‭." (Matthew 24:6-8, NKJV) Jesus spoke of wars, rumors of wars, famine, disease, persecution, and deception that would come before the end of the age. Sounds like 2021! These are things that Jesus said would take place before He returns. And yet He said, “See that ye be not troubled …”  How can we not be troubled when we see these things some to pass? The Bible has the answer, and Susan and I look into those answers in this video.  You can have peace in troubled times! Scriptures: Matthew 24:1-14, John 14:1-6, 15-18, 27 Check out these posts… Peace Scriptures and Prayers CD & MP3 Peace through the Scriptures! Lord, Give Me Your Peace!

When Christ reigns as King in your heart, you lack nothing necessary to live as light in a world darkened by the ignorance of, and rejection of, God. God makes this clear in the very names of the Child born, the Son given to us. --His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.- Isaiah 9-6 -NKJV- -Jesus is the embodiment of all divine wisdom. In fact, His counsel to His own is so wonderful that it can only be explained by His deity. No one ever instructed the LORD or gave Him counsel- He is all wisdom personified. Our plans need not lack His wonderful counsel, nor will His counsel ever lack power to be fulfilled. Jesus is our Mighty God- -God's people in ancient Judah desperately needed counsel but sought wisdom outside of God. And they looked to human strength rather than divine rescue. Can you imagine such a thing- -Where do you turn in order to make sense of your life- Whose power do you typically rely upon- -This Sunday, we'll return to Isaiah's prophecy of Christ's advent as we consider, -Unto Us a Child is Born- Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.-

“Nevertheless‭ I have‭‭ ‭this‭ against‭ you‭, that‭ you have left‭‭ your‭ first‭ love‭." (Revelation 2:4, NKJV) Jesus’ message to the church at Ephesus contained a pat on the back for their sound doctrine and good works. But Jesus warned them that they had left their first love and were in danger of losing their candlestick. When we begin a relationship, we are full of love, zeal, and passion, but as time goes on and distractions abound, we can easily abandon our first love. It's like that in marriage, and it's like that in our relationship with the Lord. The Word of God tells us that our relationship with Jesus is like a marriage. Paul, in talking about the marriage relationship, said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." (Ephesians 5:31-32, MEV) In both relationships, we need to do something to "keep the home fires burning." We must cultivate and at times rekindle the fire that we once had. We need to be careful to not get our eyes on the wrong things and lose our initial passion. Here are three keys to keep the fire burning in your marriage, and in your relationship with the Lord: Spend quality intimate time together.  Just as in the marriage relationship, times of intimacy with the Lord are essential. When we worship Him, love Him, wait on Him, and feed on His Word, He can reveal His heart to us and make our hearts burn. Walk together in your daily life. It is important that a husband and wife work together and play together in their daily life. Too many independent activities are not good. In the same way, Jesus should be a part of our work day, our shopping, and our leisure activities. Going hunting with Jesus is good. He's our constant companion by the Holy Spirit. Watch your associations. Friendships with people who pull you away from your spouse are not good. Attitudes that encourage sexual promiscuity and disloyalty are distructive to the marriage. In the same way, spending too much time with some people can hinder your relationship with the Lord. Jesus said to the church in Ephesus, "‭Remember therefore from where you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first, or else I will come to you quickly‭ and remove your candlestick from its place, unless you repent." (Revelation 2:5, MEV) We need to remember the value of our relatitionship with the Lord and return to our first love. It's a decision that we make every day to cultivate and reignite the flames of love. Enjoy this message from the heart of God! Fan the Flames of Revival … and Let it Spread! Re-digging the Wells of Revival The Love of the Father [Audio]

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 New King James Version   Warning Against Idleness 6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which [a]he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread [b]free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and [c]exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this [d]epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but [e]admonish him as a brother. Benediction 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every [f]epistle; so I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.   Under authority   John 5:30 (NKJV) “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.   John 6:38 (NKJV) “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.   John 7:28 (NKJV) Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.   John 4:34 (NKJV) Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.   John 5:23 (NKJV) “that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.   John 5:24 (NKJV) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.   John 5:30 (NKJV) “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.   John 5:36 (NKJV) “But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish--the very works that I do--bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.   John 5:37 (NKJV) “And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form.   John 5:38 (NKJV) “But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.   John 6:29 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”   John 6:38 (NKJV) “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.   John 6:39 (NKJV) “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.   John 6:40 (NKJV) “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”   John 6:44 (NKJV) “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.   John 6:57 (NKJV) “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.   John 7:16 (NKJV) Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.   John 7:18 (NKJV) “He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.   John 7:28 (NKJV) Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.   John 7:29 (NKJV) “But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.”   John 7:33 (NKJV) Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and [then] I go to Him who sent Me.   John 8:16 (NKJV) “And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I [am] with the Father who sent Me.   John 8:18 (NKJV) “I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”   John 8:26 (NKJV) “I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”   John 8:29 (NKJV) “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”   John 8:42 (NKJV) Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.   John 9:4 (NKJV) “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; [the] night is coming when no one can work.   John 11:42 (NKJV) “And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said [this,] that they may believe that You sent Me.”   John 12:44 (NKJV) Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me.   John 12:45 (NKJV) “And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.   John 12:49 (NKJV) “For I have not spoken on My own [authority;] but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.   John 13:20 (NKJV) “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”   John 14:24 (NKJV) “He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.   John 15:21 (NKJV) “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.   John 16:5 (NKJV) “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’   John 17:3 (NKJV) “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.   John 17:8 (NKJV) “For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received [them,] and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.   John 17:18 (NKJV) “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.   John 17:21 (NKJV) “that they all may be one, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.   John 17:23 (NKJV) “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.   John 17:25 (NKJV) “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.   John 20:21 (NKJV) So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NKJV Peace is our nature... we bring peace where ever we go because “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Jesus is the PRINCE of peace/ the originator of peace / the Father of peace

By Pastor Brandon Dirmann We are starting a new series based off the book "Stepping Into The Kingdom" This book and series is all about the Kingdom of God and fully stepping into it (The rule and rules of King Jesus) We are starting by talking about what the Kingdom of God is and how it is that we step into it. // Chapters 1&2 - Mark 5:1-15 (NKJV) - Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. 7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” 8 For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” 9 Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. 11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. 12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” 13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. 14 So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. 15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. The NT teaches EVERYTHING has changed because the Kingdom of God is at hand Matthew 3:2 (NKJV) - John the baptist preached THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is at hand. Therefore, repent! Matthew 4:17 (NKJV) - Jesus began and continued in His earthly ministry preaching "The Kingdom of God is at hand repent" ? WHAT IS THE KINGDOM ? THE KINGDOM OF GOD - God as king! God's authority and His right to rule based on His might, power, and glory. It is the realm of God's rule as the one and only true God.                     For example, when you go to someone else's house you are under                          their families' rules because it is their house. You are under their rule                      and rules.                     Another example is the rules and rule of a different country if you                            were to visit. You are no longer under the rules or rule of America,                          but have entered into a different rule. The KINGDOM OF GOD can be hard to understand as it is not RIGHT NOW tangible. Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV) - Jesus said that the Kingdom of God does not come with observation but that it is within. While the Kingdom of God will be visible and tangible when Jesus returns, right now it is present in the hearts and lives those who receive it by faith. ? WHAT IS THE PURPOSE and mission of Gods Kingdom? The mission of God's Kingdom is the invasion of darkness, the defeat of the enemy, and the freedom and fullness of humanity. This is what we see in Mark 5 as a man who was tormented was fully set free! Jesus came and fully defeated death, hell, and the grave so that we can have full life and freedom. EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED, you don't have to stay in darkness, sin, bondage, or struggle anymore. ? SO HOW DO I STEP INTO THE KINGDOM ? #1. You Must Be Born Again John 3:3 (NKJV) - Jesus said that you and I MUST be born again. #2. You Must Be Water Baptized Acts 2:37-39 (NKJV) - The response of the Holy Spirits conviction is to turn to Jesus and to be baptized. Romans 6:1-4 (NKJV) - Paul says that water baptism is symbolic our having died to our old life and being born again into life with Jesus. #3. You Must Be Baptized In The Holy Spirit Acts 1:4-5 (NKJV) - Jesus said WAIT for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) - Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will give you the power to be and do all that He has called you to do. THERE IS LIFE AND FREEDOM IN CHRIST WHEN YOU STEP INTO THE KINGDOM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 14th September, 2020 Hello and a lovely Monday morning to you in the name of Jesus. Thank God for today. I am sure you are having a good time and I trust your work week will be great in Jesus name. We have been talking about the power of conviction and throughout this week, we will be talking about the complexity of conviction. If you have had anytime you have been trying to get your conviction to focus on something, you get it rooted in God. You are trying to focus it or point it at something you want to move, you will understand that there are complexities that come with our conviction. Jesus told Peter once. He said "Peter before the cock crows once you would have denied me". Peter said " I will never do it". Jesus said "you know what it will happen but I have prayed for you that your faith will not fail". What was Jesus saying? He said "when the challenges come I have prayed for you that your conviction will not be consumed by the challenge". Those are the complexities of conviction. Sometimes, we are sure we are going to do things, but when the challenges are face to face with us, we sometimes collapse and that's what we mean by complexities of conviction. So we read this morning Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV) "Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" This man had a challenge; his son. He was dealing with a serious case of epilepsy he had brought the child to the disciples they couldn't do anything about it. Jesus said "if you believe, if your conviction is unshakable then all things will be possible for you. The man said "Lord Jesus I believe! My conviction is strong he said "but you know what; Help my unbelief". What the man was saying is this; I am dealing with conviction and confusion. I am convinced that you will do this but I am also confused at the same time; and these are the complexities with conviction. Sometimes you believe oh! I have this down. I am sure this will happen but the next moment you are in doubt again. Apostle Paul was talking about this in Romans 7:21 (NKJV) .He said "I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good". What was Paul talking about? I want to do good, I want to exercise my faith but there is confusion. There is doubt and he said "it is like a law that when good is present, evil is also present" and these are the things that form the complexities about conviction. Our conviction is our faith, our certainty and all that but the complexity is this; that the same time we have faith, just sometimes around we are also confused, we are not sure and things just happen. If we are not careful we mess everything up. But it's God's will that we are able to master our faith, the complexities during the time of our conviction and build it to the point where our conviction prevails. My prayer for you is this; that no matter the complexities around your conviction, you will prevail above the complexity and you will stand in faith in Jesus name. God bless you and may it be a wonderful week for you in Jesus name . Have a great day!

What does worship mean to you? Recently I read this statement about worship. It reminded me that worship is not about us. "Sometimes worship is difficult. We don’t want to praise God or hear God’s voice. Sometimes worship grabs us by the nape of the neck and shakes us up as we come face to face with an ineffable God. Sometimes worship is comforting as we bow down before a God who loves us and gave up everything for us. Sometimes worship is joyous as we praise God who does great things for our world. And sometimes worship is all those things at once. Worship should never be a passive experience, and it is never about us." Postmodern Children’s Ministry – Ministry to children in the 21st Century, Ivy Beckwith, Page 151. Let's consider this phrase again ...Worship should never be a passive experience, and it is never about us. What did Jesus say? When Jesus was being tested in the wilderness by the enemy Jesus reminded us of Who we are to focus our worship on. Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Luke 4:5-8 NKJV Jesus' words are very clear ... 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.' The Message Bible says it this way, Jesus refused, again backing his refusal with Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.” Luke 4:8 The Message What is worship? We can think about worship in many different ways. One of the ways we are probably most familiar with is the 'singing time' in church, which at the moment, due to COVID-19, has greatly dimished in the wake of social distancing rules. I'm so grateful that our church has been able to meet again, in smaller numbers, and have a time of worship, albeit quite differently to what we are used to, but still a beautiful time of worshipping Jesus. With the absence of the familiar corporate worship time during COVID, we have had to purposefully seek out and embrace alternatives to continue fellowshiping and drawing closer to God. So as with many aspects of our faith during this time of COVID, the small group gathering and our individual devotion time with Jesus has taken on a more central role. Worship in the small group For me, my early experiences of home-group / life-group involved a time of worship. While there was some singing during the worship, mostly it was a time of sitting in the presence of God, focusing on the words that declared truth about our Saviour. For example, Lord of All, Hillsong Worship 'Lord I long to see you glorified In everything I do All my heartfelt dreams I put aside To see your Spirit move with power in my life. Jesus, Lord of all eternity Your children rise in faith All the earth displays your glory And each word you speak brings life to all who hear.' I'm grateful for those experiences and what I learned. They were one aspect of the equipping that enabled me to start a life-group in 2019, where we normally include a time of worship, sitting in the presence of God, with our heart and mind focused on Jesus, Lord of All. God prepares the way How perfect is that for today's scenario of COVID-19 when singing has so many restrictions around it. I love how God goes before us, preparing us for what we need, before we know we need it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV Despite the social distancing restrictions, we can still listen to some anointed worship songs, lay down our concerns from the day and turn our hearts and minds towards God. Here are a few of worship songs we play: Find me at the feet of Jesus- Christy Nockels What A Beautiful Name - Hillsong Worship Breathe/Rest (Spontaneous Worship) - Cory Ashbury Goodness of God - Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson You are for me - Kari Jobe Worshipping in Spirit and in Truth In these times though, when our experience of 'church' is a little different, I think it is important to pause and consider the wider definition of worship, and how we are living that out in our lives. CompellingTruth.org has an interesting article, How can I worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth, refering to our response to John 4:23-24. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 NLT And here is the same scripture in The Passion Translation ... From here on, worshiping the Father will not be a matter of the right place but with the right heart. For God is a Spirit*, and he longs to have sincere worshipers who worship and adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 TPT A side note, or perhaps the key note when it comes to worshipping Jesus, ... the footnote in The Passion Translation says, *Or “God is breath,” or “God is wind.” Jesus refers to “Spirit” more than one hundred times in the four Gospels. The transforming power of the Holy Spirit The power of the Holy Spirit transforms us, over time, into more sincere worshippers of Jesus. His power transforms our lives so we become a reflection of God's love - ie the fruit of the Spirit grows in us ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV Here is a more contemporary translation from The Message: But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5:22-23 The Message Worship is not about us So we have meandered from that original statement by Ivy Beckwith .... Worship should never be a passive experience, and it is never about us." ... to Jesus' words in Luke 4:8 ... 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.' Luke 4:8 NKJV ... to Jesus' words in John 4:24 ... For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 NLT ... to Paul's words about what happens in us when we allow the Holy Spirit transforms us ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV We need to choose to engage in worship So yes, worship is not about us, but we need to choose to engage in worship. We need to fully engage and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us through worship. Fully engaging means we continually choose to put Jesus first in our lives, acknowledging that He is Lord of All. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV Today, let's choose to engage fully in worship, however that looks for us - singing, loving, serving, and through that worship allow the Holy Spirt to transform us to be more and more like Jesus in this place. To find out more, please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

So let’s dig into it, and with anything related to the Christian life, the Word of God has to be our final authority. Psalm 18:30 (NKJV)As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven. Psalm 19 God’s word is perfect, sure, right, true, everlasting, to be desired more than gold. Psalm 119:89 (NKJV)Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Psalms 119:105 (NKJV)Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. John 6:63 (NKJV)The words I speak to you are spirit and they are life. John 15:7 (NKJV)If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. One of the first things a Christian has to embrace is that our born again nature is spiritual. We literally become a new creations in Him. But we still express ourselves through our human nature. 1 Corinthians 14 reminds us, God is not the author of confusion, but brings us into harmony. So as we break down this truth, first things first, God's rule when it comes to any truth in the bible that we're unsure of;1 Corinthians 13:1 (NKJV) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. At the end of the day, as with any other truth from God, there is an element of faith involved. The overwhelming majority of everything concerning spiritual language comes out of the Apostle Paul's writings. Which by the way, are all 100% inspired by the Holy Spirit.And for all those who think tongues is nothing more than some emotional state of mind for some small, out of balance, uneducated, radical group, the apostle Paul, who covers this subject extensively, graduated from one of the most recognized educational programs of his day. An elite Pharisee. One of history's most respected and quoted thinkers. Writing more than half the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 14:18 (NKJV)I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all. What's really sad is that most of the people that so strongly oppose speaking a spiritual language, quote Paul's writings in all there other Christian beliefs and teachings. Keep in mind, with any other truth from God, there is an element of faith involved. Mark 9:23 (NKJV)Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.(MSG) “Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.Every biblical account of tongues was done through the cooperation of believers. The same Holy Spirit that came to empower The Church at its birth is still here and hasn't changed.Peters first sermon was to a group of confused people who just witnessed spiritual language. And the first thing he does is take them back to the Word. Always remember, there is no spiritual reality outside the support of God's Word. Here's the thing, after God introduces this spiritual reality, there's not one scripture suggestion it was only for a season, or that it wasn't to continue until He returns for His church.If you think about it, according to the Bible, spiritual language is just as scriptural as the new birth, heaven, grace...Regardless of your view on this matter, something we should all keep in mind; spiritual language is God's idea. No man made it up. 1 Corinthians 14:1-2 (NKJV)Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.(MSG) If you praise Him in the private language of tongues, God understands you but no one else does, for you are sharing intimacies just between you and Him. The primary purposes of a spiritual language are:1. Personal praise and worship.2. Self-edification. (Jude 20, Building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.)3. Praying out divine secrets.4. Public exhortation.1 Corinthians 14:4-5 (NKJV)He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.This passage simply distinguishes the public and private application of a spiritual language. 1 Corinthians 14:13-16 (NKJV)Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? Paul makes it very clear that praying in his spiritual language is simply praying from his spirit, not his intellect.Something else I would point out here, individually or corporately, we see no signs of hysteria or abnormalities.Let me also add this; spiritual language is not an escape from reality, or some self-induced state of mind. It is 100% spiritual, and completely scriptural. 1 Corinthians 14:18-19 (NKJV)I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:32 (NIV)The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.   

Have you experienced a time when you thought to yourself, "I wish Jesus was here with me." I remember a friend, who was having radiation treatment for cancer, saying to me, "Before I go into the treatment room, I stand at the door and say, 'Okay Jesus, in we go together.'" She was declaring that Jesus was going with her into that room, acknowledging that she was not going alone. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that "I am not alone." Jesus walks with me That story reminds me of a song, "He walks with me" from Merle Haggard. The lyrics are simple but beautiful ... I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses And the voice I hear falling on my ear The son of God discloses And he walks with me and he talks with me And he tells me I am his own And the joy we share as we tarry there None other has ever known He speaks and the sound of his voice is so sweet The birds hush their singing And the melody that he gave to me Within my heart is ringing And he walks with me and he talks with me And he tells me I am his own And the joy we share as we tarry there None other has ever known You know that feeling you have after spending time with someone who loves you. You feel heard, encouraged, safe and secure. Well that is how we can feel after spending time with Jesus. But first we have to recognise that He is with us and acknowledge Him. Recognising Jesus Let's take a look at a couple of stories where Jesus wasn't immediately recognised. At the empty tomb Firstly, at the empty tomb after Jesus' resurrection ... But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus' body had been laid. They said to her, "Woman, why do you weep?" "They took my Master," she said, "and I don't know where they put him." After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn't recognise him. Jesus spoke to her, "Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?" She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, "Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him." Jesus said, "Mary." Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" meaning "Teacher!" John 20:11-16 The Message But she didn't recognise Him In regards to Mary not recognising Jesus, let's look at the way other translations say verse 14, The Passion Translation - Then she turned around to leave, and there was Jesus standing in front of her, but she didn't realise that it was him! The New King James Version - Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Recognise, realise and know According to the NIV Study Bible, we don't know why Mary didn't recognise Jesus, "He may have looked different or he may intentionally have prevented recognition." NIV Study Bible, Luke 20:14 Commentary, page 1633. What about us? I wonder how many times things have happened in our lives and Jesus has been there and we haven't recognised, realised or known. Or why we sometimes don't recognise Jesus, or realise what He is doing in our lives? Perhaps this is the moment to ask Him. Jesus calls us by name An aside, or maybe one of the main points ... notice that it is when Jesus calls Mary by her name that she recognises him. In the TV series about Jesus, The Chosen (available at the App Store or Google Play), there is a beautiful scene in Episode 1, when Jesus calls Mary by her name and she is redeemed. The road to Emmaus Let's have a look at another interaction on that same day, when Jesus was not recognised. He is walking with two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. And behold, that very day two of [the disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, [which is] about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking about all these things that had occurred. And while they were conversing and discussing this together, Jesus Himself caught up with them and was already accompanying them. But their eyes were held, so that they did not recognise Him. Luke 24:13-16 AMPC In this story it is clear that the disciples did not recognise Jesus because of divine intervention. The Passion Translation says it this way ... They were unaware that it was Jesus walking alongside them, for God prevented them from recognising him. Luke 24:16 TPT Jesus is recognised when He broke the bread In fact, the disciples didn't recognise Jesus until that evening at supper... Joining them at the table for supper, he took bread and blessed it and broke it, then gave it to them. All at once their eyes were opened and they realised it was Jesus! Then suddenly, in a flash, Jesus vanished before from their eyes! Luke 24:30-31 TPT Oh my, there certainly was a lot of mysterious things going on at the time, and I don't pretend to understand any of them. But it is good to ask God what He wants to show us through these stories. Current events - what's going on? An interesting aside about the conversation on the road to Emmaus, the disciples were discussing the current events of the day ... And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?" Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened in there in these days? And He said to them, "What things?" So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel....... ....Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ have suffered these things to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:17-27 NKJV Jesus explains the bigger picture In our world today, there are certainly many interesting current events to discuss. But notice what happens in this conversation on the road to Emmaus, who brings the wisdom and explains what is going on? Jesus. John Maxwell comments on this conversation, "As two grieving men conversed about Jesus' crucifixion, they struggled to understand what it all meant. Jesus saw their confusion and could tell they needed someone to guide them. So He joined them and began to explain His resurrection in light of Scripture (Luke 24:27,45). By the end of their time together, it all made sense." John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Page 1299. Listen to how The Passion Translation explains the disciples' response when they realised they had been walking with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, Stunned, they looked at each other and said, "Why didn't we recognise it was him? Didn't our hearts burn with the flames of holy passion while we walked beside him? He unveiled for us such profound revelation from the Scriptures!" Luke 24:32 TPT What is God showing us? So what profound revelation does God want to give us today through these stories from Scriptures? Possibly some of these things, and probably a whole lot more! Jesus will reveal himself when He chooses. When Jesus asks us questions, we need to search our heart and give an honest answer. If we spend time with Jesus and learn to know His voice as Mary did, we will recognise Him when He speaks to us. Jesus knows when we are struggling and will walk alongside us and help us, if we let Him. Sometimes Jesus will do the unexpected, like vanishing at the supper. We won't always understand what He does and that's okay. We have to trust that His plan is good. Only Jesus has the complete picture, understanding how each part of the puzzle fits together, so we need to listen when He speaks. Jesus walks and talks with us today To finish today, let's just revisit the words of that song again, knowing that Jesus is with us and we are not alone. And he walks with me and he talks with me And he tells me I am his own And the joy we share as we tarry there None other has ever known To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

WHERE IS GOD? MAKING SENSE OF FAITH DURING A PANDEMIC   DOES GOD CONSPIRE WITH EVIL? What about God’s wrath, judgment, angels of death, etc.?   During times of crisis ALL of humanity is faced with “God” questions. Where is God in this pandemic? Did God cause the novel coronavirus? Is God being passive-aggressive to allow it to happen? If God is loving WHY doesn’t He intervene? Is the pandemic an act of God’s judgment? Is there anything humans/believers can do? Can we expect special protection during these times? Will prayer motivate God? What does God feel towards human suffering?  All of these questions often hang with no more resolution, stopping at the question marks. During this amazing series we will look at philosophical and theological ideas that help us make sense of God, returning us to wholehearted intimacy with God, ourselves and those around us. Join us as we explore the peace of God in times of crisis. ____________________ ARE GOD’S PROMISES RELIABLE? 2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 KJV For all the PROMISES of God in CHRIST [are] YEA, and in him AMEN, unto the glory of God by us. PSALM 33:18-20 KJV Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them… that hope in his MERCY; 19 … to keep them alive in FAMINE. 20 …he [is] our HELP and our SHIELD. EXODUS 23:25 NKJV And I will take SICKNESS AWAY from the MIDST of you. PSALM 91:10-11, 14-16 NKJV NO EVIL shall befall you, nor shall any PLAGUE come NEAR YOUR DWELLING; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. ... 15 I [will be] with him in TROUBLE; I will DELIVER HIM and honor him. 16 With LONG LIFE I will satisfy him, and show him My SALVATION." ____________________ WHERE IS GOD? MAKING SENSE OF FAITH DURING A PANDEMIC   BUT WHAT ABOUT… ?????????? ____________________ FAITH ALWAYS STOPS AT THE ??????? ____________________ INTERPRETING GOD - DIFFICULT TEXTS: DEUTERONOMY 29:20 NKJV THE LORD would not spare the idolater; for then the ANGER of the LORD and His JEALOUSY would BURN against that man, and EVERY CURSE that is written in this book would settle on him, and THE LORD would BLOT OUT HIS NAME from under heaven. PSALM 78:49 NKJV [God said about the Exodus] He cast on them the FIERCENESS of His ANGER, WRATH, INDIGNATION… ROMANS 9:22-23 NKJV [What] if God, wanting to show [His] WRATH and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of WRATH PREPARED FOR DESTRUCTION, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the VESSELS of MERCY, which He had prepared beforehand for glory… REVELATION 16:1 NKJV Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and POUR OUT the BOWLS OF THE WRATH OF GOD on the earth.” PSALM 5:5-6 NLT Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you HATE ALL WHO DO EVIL. 6 … THE LORD DETESTS murderers and deceivers. MATTHEW 10:14-15 NKJV [Jesus said] 14 "And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 "Assuredly, I say to you, it will be MORE TOLERABLE for the land of SODOM AND GOMORRAH in the day of JUDGMENT than for that city! ____________________ INTERPRETING GOD - DIFFICULT TEXTS: God’s Anger, Wrath and Indignation Jealousy Hate Judgment of God ____________________ INTERPRETING GOD - DIFFICULT TEXTS: Noah’s Flood Sodom and Gomorrah Ananias and Sapphira Paul Cursing a Sorcerer with Blindness Angels of Destruction Annihilation by Conquest Final Judgments and Wrath of Revelation Hell ____________________ MISTAKES WE MAKE WITH BIBLE DIFFICULTIES  Assuming that the unexplained is not explainable Presuming the Bible guilty until proven innocent Confusing our fallible interpretations with God’s infallible revelation Failing to understand the context of the passage Basing doctrine/teaching on an obscure passage Forgetting the Bible is a human book with human characteristics Neglecting that the Bible uses different literary devices (figures of speech) ____________________ DOES GOD… RAGE HATE JEALOUSY LIKE HUMANS ?????????? ____________________ DOES GOD… CREATE DO CONSPIRE WITH EVIL ?????????? ____________________ WHAT DOES EVIL LOOK LIKE? ANYTHING THAT LACKS PURE GOODNESS! Plagues (Viruses) Physical Weakness Infertility Accidents Death Financial Need Famines Oppressive Labor Hating Work/Labor Sexual Assault Harassment No Justice Fear For Safety Hard Heartedness Seared Conscience Mental Disorders Anxiety Disorders Depression Fear & Confusion Faulty Cognition Addictions Divorce Broken Families Child Abductions Kidnappings Perpetration Shame & Guilt Embarrassment Humiliation Regrets Hiding & Inferiority Isolation Rejection Victimization Exploitation Oppression Cynicism “Life Is Hard” Etc. ____________________ GOD IS ALL GOOD 1 JOHN 4:8 NKJV He who does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE. GOD IS ALL PURE PSALM 99:9 NKJV Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His holy hill; For the LORD our GOD [IS] HOLY. ____________________ WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT GOD WILL DEFINE EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT YOU! ____________________ INTERPRETING GOD – HOW?  BEGIN WITH WHAT “IT” IS NOT! BECOME CURIOUS IN EXPLORATION! ____________________ HOW TO INTERPRET GOD – WEEK 1 COMPARE WITH JESUS OVERLAY REDEMPTION AGAINST EVIL REMEMBER PERMISSIVE VERBS INTEGRATE CREATION’S PROCESS LAWS ACTIVATE AUTHORITY THROUGH REDEMPTION ____________________ JUSTICE DOES NOT CONSPIRE WITH EVIL God’s justice is not a spin for God to conspire with evil. THE ISSUE IS HOW JUSTICE OR EVIL ACTUALLY HAPPENS! ____________________ - GOD’S EMOTIONS - DOES GOD… RAGE HATE JEALOUSY LIKE HUMANS ?????????? ____________________ INTERPRETING GOD – BELIEVERS ROMANS 5:8-9 NKJV But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be SAVED FROM WRATH through Him. 1 THESSALONIANS 1:10; 5:9 NKJV … [even] Jesus who DELIVERS US FROM THE WRATH to come…. 5:9 For GOD DID NOT APPOINT US TO WRATH, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ… EPHESIANS 2:2-5 NKJV … the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of WRATH, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ____________________ - GOD’S EMOTIONS -  GOD’S RAGE HATE JEALUOSY IS ALWAYS ABOUT JUSTICE, NOT RETALIATION! ____________________ INTERPRETING GOD – GOD’S JUSTICE  PASSIVE JUDGMENT ACTIVE JUDGMENT LEGAL SEPARATION (A MULTIDIMENSIONAL UNIVERSE) COMMISSIONED ENFORCEMENT ____________________ INTERPRETING GOD – GOD’S PATTERN  GOD WARNS IN ADVANCE (MERCY) GOD GIVES GRACE TO AVOID IMPENDING SUFFERING ALL WHO REPENT/CHANGE GIVEN A WAY TO ESCAPE SOMEONE IS ALMOST ALWAYS “SAVED” OUT OF SUFFERING JUDGMENTS MAKE PUBLIC AWARENESS ____________________ MATTHEW 16:19 NCV [Jesus said] I will give you the KEYS of the kingdom of heaven; the things YOU DON’T ALLOW on earth will be the things that God does not allow, and the things YOU ALLOW on earth will be the things that God allows. ____________________ GOD’S PROMISES PSALM 33:18-20 KJV Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them… that hope in his MERCY; 19 … to keep them alive in FAMINE. 20 …he [is] our HELP and our SHIELD. EXODUS 23:25 NKJV And I will take SICKNESS AWAY from the MIDST of you. PSALM 91:10-11, 14-16 NKJV NO EVIL shall befall you, nor shall any PLAGUE come NEAR YOUR DWELLING; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. ... 15 I [will be] with him in TROUBLE; I will DELIVER HIM and honor him. 16 With LONG LIFE I will satisfy him, and show him My SALVATION." ____________________ ACTIVATE GOD’S PROMISES 2 CORINTHIANS 4:13 NKJV And since we have the same SPIRIT OF FAITH, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," WE ALSO BELIEVE AND THEREFORE SPEAK… JAMES 2:18, 26 NKJV … show me your faith without your works (activations), and I will show you my FAITH by MY WORKS (ACTIVATIONS)… 26 …FAITH without WORKS (ACTIVATIONS) is DEAD also.   _________________________________________________________________ DECLARATIONS FACING PRESSURE I am of God and have overcome him (satan). For greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4) FACING PRESSURE I am far from oppression and fear does not come near me. (Isaiah 54:14) FACING PRESSURE No weapon formed against me will prosper, for my righteousness is of the Lord. But whatever I do will prosper for I’m like a tree that’s planted by the rivers of water (Isaiah 54;17; Psalm 1:3) PEACE The peace of God which passes all understanding keeps my heart and my mind through Christ Jesus. And things which are good, and pure, and perfect, and lovely, and of good report, I think on these things. (Philippians 4:7-8) REACH POTENTIAL The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. (Psalm 138:8) GAINING WISDOM I am a new creation in Christ, I am His workmanship created in Christ Jesus. Therefore I have the mind of Christ and the wisdom of God is formed within me. (II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; I Corinthians 2:16) FREEDOM/GUILT And I, having received the gift of righteousness do reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)  FREEDOM DARK I am delivered from the power of darkness and I am translated into the kingdom of His dear Son. (Colossians 1:13) REDEEMED KIDS Great is the peace of my children for they are taught of the Lord. (Isaiah 54:13)  PROTECTION No evil will befall me neither shall any plague come near my dwelling. For the Lord has given His angels charge over me and they keep me in all my ways, and in my pathway is life and there is no death. (Psalm 91:10-11; Proverbs 12:28) SECURE DECISIONS I do follow the good shepherd and I know His voice and the voice of a stranger I will not follow. (John 10:4-5) SECURE DECISIONS The Lord enlarges my steps and establishes my thoughts. Therefore I will make healthy Holy Spirit-led decisions. (Psalm 18:36; Proverbs 16:3)  RESTORATION The Lord redeems my life from destruction and crowns me with tender mercies. The Lord satisfies my mouth with good things. My steps are ordered by the Lord. Even if I were to fall down, He upholds me with his hand. (Ps 103:4; Ps 37:23-24) SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY The Lord makes my way prosperous and gives me good success. Jesus has redeemed me from the curse of sin and given me the grace (power in human weakness) to have unlimited available resources. (Joshua 1:8; Gal 3:13; 2 Cor 8:7) GOD’S FAVOR The Lord has given me favor with God and man. I execute authority over my calling and future. The free favors of God are profusely abounding in my life. I am at the right place at the right time with the right people. People of power are stirred and predisposed to give me special advantages and preferential treatment. I reek with, and am crowned with, the abundance of God’s free favors over my life. Incredible things happen to me every day that other people don’t have happen in a lifetime. (Pr 3:4; Luke 4:19; Pr 8:5) DECLARATIONS DOWNLOAD Copy this url and paste in your favorite browser to download https://app.box.com/v/declare

FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY How would you like to know what your driven-money is driven by? The two most anxiety stimulating topics we have is about money or sex. Both reach into the most personal spaces of our identity. For someone to talk about that space touches us in our biological nervous system. To become vulnerable and transparent about these topics reveals our emotional fragility. Why? Our primal brains are asking, “Am I safe?”, then “Do I belong?”, and finally “What can I learn?”, in that exact sequence. Money and sex makes us feel vulnerable, exposed and threatened. Because of our griefs, losses and traumas - that have been sustained over a lifetime - we are embedded with coding in our subconscious processing. Have you ever wondered why you feel such shame around your imperfections with money? What if we could help you separate from the shame-voice by safely exploring the neuroscience behind why you spend the way you spend, or save the way you save, or give the way you give? Every Jesus-follower I have ever met wants to be great managers of money, but feel they are flawed and disappointing to God. It’s time to open our hearts to Jesus’ teachings about our challenges with money and let His healing graces restore our souls!   If you can't make it next week or in person, tune in by live stream at mylifepointe.com/sermons .  BEGINS:  March 1, 2020 WHERE:  LifePointe Church | 2080 E 151st Street | Olathe (Kansas City) TIME:  10am   TODAY’S MESSAGE   FINANCIAL HABITS, PATTERNS AND FANTASIES ARE NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF; THEY ARE SOME OF OUR GREATEST TEACHERS! __________________  THE HEART IS WHERE EVERYTHING STARTS!   PROVERBS 4:23 NIV Above all else, GUARD YOUR HEART, for EVERYTHING YOU DO flows from it. __________________ THE ABUNDANCE OF GOOD AND THE ABUNDANCE OF PAIN COME FROM THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART.   LUKE 6:45 NKJV (Jesus said) A good man out of the good treasure of his HEART brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his HEART brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the HEART his mouth speaks. __________________   THE HEART HAS DRIVERS THAT WILL DEFILE OR RECONCILE.   MATTHEW 15:19-20 NKJV (Jesus said) For out of the HEART proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are [the things] which DEFILE a man…  __________________ HEART Soft / Hardened Good / Evil Strong / Weak Understanding / Deceived Whole / Broken Desires / Lusts Cheerful / Heavy Wise / Foolish Upright / Unyielding  __________________ IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS DRIVING YOUR HEART FOLLOW THE TRAIL OF “BREADCRUMBS” LEFT BY YOUR MONEY PATTERNS.   MATTHEW 6:21 NKJV (Jesus said) For where your TREASURE [RICHES; MONEY] is, there your HEART will be also. __________________  OUR HEART PATTERNS CAN BE FOUND IN OUR MONEY PATTERNS.   1 TIMOTHY 6:9-10 NKJV (Paul said) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the LOVE OF MONEY is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their GREEDINESS, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  __________________ FINANCIAL DISORDERS & MORALITY  Chronic self-defeating and self-destructive financial behaviors are not driven by our rational, thinking minds; they stem from psychological forces that are outside our conscious awareness and their roots run deep into our past. __________________  5 KEY CHILDHOOD DRIVERS   1.       RIGID AND/OR DISENGAGED FAMILY SYSTEMS 2.       ABANDONMENT 3.       PARENTS WHO WERE EMOTIONALLY ENMESHED WITH CHILDREN 4.       A HISTORY OF TRAUMA (INCLUDING FINANCIAL) 5.       ABUSE (PHYSICAL, VERBAL, SEXUAL - OVERT AND COVERT) __________________  THE CHOICE TO GROW & BE FREE  It isn’t a moral issue to have a behavior disorder; however, it is a moral issue to continue the disorder without addressing and reprocessing the root causes.  __________________ ACTIVATION Out of everything we talked about today, what is your ONE NEXT STEP that you need to take?  ASSESS THE “ROOTS” OF YOUR PRESENT CHOICES RE-SURRENDER TO GOD’S FINANCIAL PLAN PURSUE EMOTIONAL HEATLH TOWARDS MONEY  

2020 LIFE & CHURCH REIMAGINED 2020 will bring vision and clarity! Decades ago, futurists predicted what the world would look like in this milestone-year in human history. They said we would have self-driving cars, vote electronically from home, depression would be a primary disease, people would live on mars, and that we would work 26 hours a week. Some predictions were spot-on, while others have alluded us. Some of us dreamed of “Jetson’s” lifestyles with robot-maids and travel by spaceships. What will be your 2020 predictions for marriage, parenting, business, and church? Will you be happy this year? Where will you be by the end of this decade? Will the derailing compulsions, addictions and unhealthy patterns still haunt you? As a church, what will be the future? Will we reimagine God’s kingdom in church community? Will we find peace, joy and fulfillment? Will we see ourselves with a futuristic clarity? This year will be the beginning of something special!   TODAY’S MESSAGE   WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU THINK OF GOD, LIFE AND CHURCH?  __________________ WHAT you think about WHEN you think about GOD, LIFE and CHURCH will DEFINE EVERYTHING else ABOUT YOU!  __________________ WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GOD, LIFE AND CHURCH?  __________________ ASKED IN A DIFFERENT WAY WHAT PURPOSE DOES GOD, LIFE AND CHURCH SERVE? __________________  GOD SERVES A PURPOSE MATTHEW 6:10 TPT [Jesus taught prayer to God the Father] Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause YOUR every PURPOSE to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven. JESUS SERVES A PURPOSE JOHN 6:27 TPT Why would you strive for food that is perishable and not be passionate to SEEK THE FOOD OF ETERNAL LIFE, which never spoils? I, the Son of Man, am ready to give you WHAT MATTERS MOST, for God the Father has destined me for this PURPOSE.” THE APOSTLE PAUL SERVED A PURPOSE PHILIPPIANS 3:12 TPT [Paul said] I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I RUN WITH PASSION into his abundance so that I may REACH the PURPOSE that Jesus Christ has CALLED ME TO FULFILL and WANTS ME TO DISCOVER. YOU HAVE AND SERVE A PURPOSE EPHESIANS 5:15-16 TPT [Paul said] So BE VERY CAREFUL HOW YOU LIVE, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF EVERY DAY as you SPEND YOUR LIFE for HIS PURPOSES. __________________  PURPOSE IS BEYOND SURVIVAL  Everybody’s got to EAT and live INDOORS. - Charlie Renfroe  __________________ 3 QUESTIONS WE ASK BEFORE PURPOSE AM I SAFE? DO I BELONG? WHAT CAN I LEARN AND DO? __________________  WHAT IS PURPOSE? THE REASON FOR WHICH SOMETHING EXISTS OR IS ACCOMPLISHED.  __________________ THE MYTH OF PURPOSE PURPOSE IS SOMETHING I ACCOMPLISH.  __________________ THE TRUTH OF PURPOSE PURPOSE IS A MEANS TO AN END; IT IS NOT THE END. __________________ QUESTIONS WE ASK WHAT IS MY PURPOSE? WHY AM I HERE? WHAT IS MY CALLING?  __________________ THE STARTING POINT OF PURPOSE IS NOT… WHAT AM I HERE FOR? WHAT IS MY CALLING?  __________________ THE STARTING POINT OF PURPOSE IS … WHO AM I HERE FOR? WHO ARE WE HERE FOR?  __________________ FINDING PURPOSE PURPOSE IS ALWAYS FOUND JUST ACROSS THE BORDER FROM “WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME?”  __________________ POWERED BY PURPOSE PURPOSE IS A MEANS TO AN END. PURPOSE HAS A PRICE. PURPOSE IS THE PATH TO MEANING.  __________________ WHAT YOU DEVOTE YOURSELF TO… THOSE WHO DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO THEMSELVES WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE NOTHING BUT THEMSELVES TO SHOW FOR THEMSELVES.  __________________ LIFEPOINTE CHURCH PURPOSE IF WE ONLY DEVOTE OURSELVES TO OURSELVES WE WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE NOTHING BUT OURSELVES TO SHOW FOR OURSELVES.  __________________ THE REWARD OF PURPOSE IF YOU DEVOTE YOURSELF TO MORE THAN YOURSELF YOU WILL ULTIMATLEY HAVE MORE THAN YOURSELF TO SHOW FOR YOURSELF.  __________________ CHURCH PURPOSE QUESTION HOW WOULD GOD ORGANIZE AND/OR PROGRAM THE CHURCH’S PURPOSE?  __________________ CHURCH WOULD HAVE TO HAVE… •      BONDING WORSHIP – LOVE GOD •      PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS – LOVE PEOPLE •      HEALING SKILLS – GROWING IN LOVE   •      VOLUNTEER STAFFING – LOVE WITH GIFTS & TALENTS •      INVITING OUTSIDERS – NEW EXPERIENCES IN LOVE __________________  GREAT COMMANDMENT / COMMISSION… MATTHEW 28:19-20 NKJV [Jesus said] “‘You shall LOVE the LORD your GOD with all your heart, …soul, and …mind.’ … “And [the second greatest command is] like it:” 'You shall LOVE your NEIGHBOR as YOURSELF.' 40 "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” MATTHEW 22:37-40 NKJV "Go …MAKE DISCIPLES of all the nations, BAPTIZING THEM in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE all things that I have commanded you;… 1.    “…teaching them to observe…” – HEALING SKILLS 2.   “…Love your neighbor as yourself…” – PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS 3.   “…Love the LORD your God…” – BONDING WORSHIP 4.   “…baptizing them…” – VOLUNTEER STAFFING 5.   “…go and make disciples…” – INVITING OUTSIDERS __________________  HOW THE EARLY CHURCH SAW PURPOSE… ACTS 2:42-47 NIV They DEVOTED THEMSELVES to the APOSTLES' TEACHING and to FELLOWSHIP, to the BREAKING OF BREAD and to PRAYER. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed …. 45 They sold property and possessions TO GIVE TO ANYONE who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ATE TOGETHER with glad and sincere hearts, 47 PRAISING GOD and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER daily those who were BEING SAVED. 1.    “…devoted to apostle’s teachings…” – HEALING SKILLS 2.   “…devoted to fellowship…” – PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS 3.   “…devoted to prayers… praising God” – BONDING WORSHIP 4.   “…gave to anyone who had need…” – VOLUNTEER STAFFING 5.   “…added to their number daily… saved” – INVITING OUTSIDERS __________________ HOW THE APOSTLE PAUL SAW PURPOSE… COLOSSIANS 1:28-29 [Paul said] We PROCLAIM Jesus, ADMONISHING and TEACHING everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone PERFECT in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with ALL ENERGY, which so powerfully works in me.   1.   “We proclaim Jesus…” – INVITING OUTSIDERS 2.   “…admonishing…” – PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS 3.   “…teaching everyone…” – HEALING SKILLS 4.   “…present everyone perfect in Christ…” – VOLUNTEER STAFFING 5.   “…labor…with all energy” – BONDING WORSHIP __________________  LIFEPOINTE’S PURPOSE EXPRESSION… •      BONDING WORSHIP – SUNDAY WORSHIP / FIREPITS •      PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS – GROUPS / RETREATS •      HEALING SKILLS – WORKSHOPS / RETREATS   •      VOLUNTEER STAFFING – SERVE TEAMS / TITHING •      INVITING OUTSIDERS – SUNDAY EXPERIENCES / INVITES __________________  IT IS UP TO YOU! GOD CAN ONLY PROMOTE WHERE WE ALL ARE WILLING TO DEVOTE! __________________  WHAT IF WE ALL… WHAT IF WE ALL DEVOTED OUR LOVE WITH TIME, TALENT, TREASURE AND TUNING FOR  SUNDAYS GROUPS WORKSHOPS / RETREATS TEAMS __________________  QUOTE – POPEYES The point of PURPOSE is to determine how you will SERVE others. If you don’t plan to SERVE, you don’t need a PURPOSE. Cheryl Bachelder – Dare to Serve – CEO of Popeyes __________________  QUOTE – TOM RHODES It’s DIFFICULT just to go back to a NORMAL EVERYDAY SUNDAY once you’ve tasted PURPOSE. - Tom Rhodes __________________  BABY STEPS TO PURPOSE 1.   LOOK AT EVERYTHING THRU THE LENS OF MEANS. 2.   FIND A KINGDOM NEED AND SERVE THERE. 3.   SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PURPOSE-PEOPLE.

2020 LIFE & CHURCH REIMAGINED 2020 will bring vision and clarity! Decades ago, futurists predicted what the world would look like in this milestone-year in human history. They said we would have self-driving cars, vote electronically from home, depression would be a primary disease, people would live on mars, and that we would work 26 hours a week. Some predictions were spot-on, while others have alluded us. Some of us dreamed of “Jetson’s” lifestyles with robot-maids and travel by spaceships. What will be your 2020 predictions for marriage, parenting, business, and church? Will you be happy this year? Where will you be by the end of this decade? Will the derailing compulsions, addictions and unhealthy patterns still haunt you? As a church, what will be the future? Will we reimagine God’s kingdom in church community? Will we find peace, joy and fulfillment? Will we see ourselves with a futuristic clarity? This year will be the beginning of something special!   TODAY’S MESSAGE   WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU THINK OF GOD, LIFE AND CHURCH? _____________________ WHAT you think about WHEN you think about GOD, LIFE and CHURCH will DEFINE EVERYTHING else ABOUT YOU! _____________________ WHAT SHOULD WE THINK OF WHEN YOU THINK OF GOD, LIFE AND CHURCH? LOOK FIRST AT JESUS! _____________________  LUKE 4:16–21 TPT JESUS read where it is written (in Isaiah), “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has ANOINTED me to be… FREEDOM for the BROKENHEARTED, and NEW EYES for …Then he added, “These Scriptures CAME TRUE TODAY in front of you.” ISAIAH 61:3, 7 TPT 3  …to STRENGTHEN those CRUSHED BY DESPAIR who MOURN … to give them a BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET in the place of ASHES, the OIL OF BLISS instead of TEARS, and the mantle of JOYOUS PRAISE instead of the spirit of HEAVINESS. …7 Because you received a DOUBLE DOSE OF SHAME AND DISHONOR, you will inherit a DOUBLE PORTION OF ENDLESS JOY AND EVERLASTING BLISS! _____________________ HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? 1 JOHN 4:17-19 NKJV LOVE has been perfected among us in this: that we may have BOLDNESS (parresias) in the day of JUDGMENT (krisis); because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is NO FEAR in LOVE; but PERFECT (teleios - integrity or integrated – wanting nothing to feel enough) LOVE casts out FEAR, because FEAR INVOLVES TORMENT. But he who FEARS has NOT been made PERFECT IN LOVE. 19 We LOVE Him because He first LOVED us. BOLDNESS – Parresias – To speak openly and confidently without fear of embarrassment, retaliation or exploitation – to be fully seen in one’s beliefs. JUDGEMENT - KRISIS - a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change. FEAR – PHOBOS – Plato used as “one concerned with future events” or “concerns with one’s reputation” _____________________ LOVE HAS THE UNIQUE ABILITY TO HEAL OUR BROKEN HEARTS! _____________________ YOU CAN KNOW THE CONCEPT OF LOVE AND NEVER EXPERIENCE LOVE’S TRANSFORMATIONAL HEALING! _____________________  JOHN 3:16-17 NKJV [Jesus said] For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES in Him should NOT PERISH but have EVERLASTING LIFE. JOHN 17:20-23 NKJV [Jesus said] I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be ONE, as You, Father, [are] in Me, and I in You; that they also may be ONE in Us, THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be ONE just as We are ONE: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made PERFECT in ONE, and THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW that You have sent Me, and have LOVED them as You have LOVED Me. _____________________ QUESTION: IS IT POSSIBLE TO INSTITUTIONALIZE LOVE EXPERIENCES? _____________________ INSTITUTIONALIZE A group of people established and devoted to the promotion of a particular cause! _____________________  MATTHEW 16:18-19 NLT (Jesus said) Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I WILL BUILD my CHURCH, and all the POWERS OF HELL WILL NOT CONQUER IT. _____________________ CHURCH - (The Ekklesia ) CHURCH IS AN“ASSEMBLY” A MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE IN DYNAMIC, INTERDEPENDENT, AND TRANSPARENT RELATIONSHIPS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FACILITATING TRANSFORMATIONAL LOVE EXPERIENCES! _____________________ QUESTION: HOW WOULD GOD ORGANIZE AND/OR PROGRAM CHURCH FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LOVE EXPERIENCES? _____________________ QUESTION: HOW WOULD YOU ORGANIZE AND/OR PROGRAM CHURCH FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LOVE EXPERIENCES? _____________________  IT WOULD HAVE TO HAVE…   BONDING WORSHIP – LOVE GOD PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS – LOVE PEOPLE HEALING SKILLS – GROWING IN LOVE   VOLUNTEER STAFFING – LOVE WITH GIFTS & TALENTS INVITING OUTSIDERS – NEW EXPERIENCES IN LOVE _____________________ HOW THE EARLY CHURCH SAW IT… ACTS 2:42-47 NIV They DEVOTED THEMSELVES to the APOSTLES' TEACHING and to FELLOWSHIP, to the BREAKING OF BREAD and to PRAYER. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed …. 45 They sold property and possessions TO GIVE TO ANYONE who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ATE TOGETHER with glad and sincere hearts, 47 PRAISING GOD and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER daily those who were BEING SAVED. “…added to their number daily… saved” – INVITING OUTSIDERS “…devoted to fellowship…” – PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS “…devoted to apostle’s teachings…” – EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE “…gave to anyone who had need…” – VOLUNTEER STAFFING “…devoted to prayers… praising God” – BONDING WORSHIP _____________________ HOW THE APOSTLE PAUL SAW IT… [Paul said] We PROCLAIM Jesus, ADMONISHING and TEACHING everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone PERFECT in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with ALL ENERGY, which so powerfully works in me. “We proclaim Jesus…” – INVITING OUTSIDERS “…admonishing…” – PROCESS RELATIONSHIPS “…teaching everyone…” – HEALING SKILLS “…present everyone perfect in Christ…” – VOLUNTEER STAFFING “…labor…with all energy” – BONDING WORSHIP _____________________ QUESTION: HOW WOULD YOU ORGANIZE AND/OR PROGRAM CHURCH FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LOVE EXPERIENCES? _____________________  IT IS UP TO YOU! GOD CAN ONLY PROMOTE WHERE WE ALL ARE WILLING TO DEVOTE! _____________________ WHAT IF WE ALL DEVOTED OUR LOVE WITH TIME, TALENT, TREASURE AND TUNING FOR… SUNDAYS GROUPS WORKSHOPS / RETREATS TEAMS

TODAY’S MESSAGE 1 JOHN 2:20, 27 NKJV But you have an ANOINTING from the Holy One, and you know all things. ... 27 But the ANOINTING which you have received from Him ABIDES IN YOU … and you will ABIDE IN HIM. Anointing = “rub on or pour over,” or SOAKED!!   ANOINTED WITH WHAT? LUKE 4:18 NKJV (Jesus said) The SPIRIT OF THE LORD [is] upon Me, because He has ANOINTED Me… ACTS 10:38 NKJV (Peter said) … how God ANOINTED Jesus of Nazareth WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and WITH POWER, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.   The presence of God – His Spirit – is rubbed on, poured over and abides in the believer!   JOHN 16:7; 14:16-20 NKJV [Jesus said] …It is to YOUR ADVANTAGE that I go away; for if I do not go away, THE HELPER will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another HELPER (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) , that He may ABIDE WITH YOU FOREVER-- 17 the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM; but you know HIM, for HE dwells WITH YOU and will be IN YOU. ACTS 1:8 NKJV [Jesus said] But YOU shall RECEIVE POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT has COME UPON YOU; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.   ANOINTED WITH WHAT AND FOR WHAT? POWER TO SAY THINGS POWER TO KNOW THINGS POWER TO DO THINGS   1 CORINTHIANS 12:7-11 NKJV But the MANIFESTATION OF THE [HOLY] SPIRIT is given to each one for the PROFIT OF ALL. MANIFESTATION – to cause something to be fully known; exhibition; expression.  PROFIT OF ALL – to bring together so as to make beautiful; symphony; harmony.   PROFIT Husband / Wife Parent Christian Witness Negotiator Employee Supervisor Friend Teacher Student Church Leader Church Volunteer Evangelist   1 CORINTHIANS 12:7-11 NKJV 8 for to one is given the WORD of WISDOM through the Spirit, to another the WORD of KNOWLEDGE through the same Spirit, 9 to another (SPECIAL) FAITH by the same Spirit, to another GIFTS of HEALINGS by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of MIRACLES, to another PROPHECY, to another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS, to another different kinds of TONGUES, to another the INTERPRETATION of tongues.   HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT MANIFEST? POWER TO SAY THINGS Prophecy Different Kinds (Unknown) Tongues (Languages) Interpretation of Tongues (Languages)   POWER TO KNOW THINGS Word of Wisdom Word of Knowledge Discerning of Spirits   POWER TO DO THINGS Special Faith Gifts of Healings Working of Miracles   POWER TO KNOW THINGS  Word of Wisdom - The supernatural ability to gain INSIGHT, PERCEPTION, or INWARD KNOWING - of certain facts in the mind of God, pertaining to issues that are PAST or PRESENT, and that you would not have any other way of knowing.   Word of Knowledge - The supernatural ability to receive a revelation of God’s WISDOM, PURPOSE and DIRECTION in a situation and relates to FUTURE issues. and that you would not have any other way of knowing. Discerning of Spirits – The supernatural ability to SEE INTO THE SPIRIT REALM, enabling you to RECOGNIZE if something is DIVINE, HUMAN or SATANIC. This is not “discernment” of people’s thoughts, motives, attitudes or condition.   POWER TO DO THINGS Special Faith - The supernatural ability to BELIEVE God’s promises in an EXTRAORDINARY WAY, never doubting but remaining confident of God’s provision and protection regardless of insurmountable obstacles, and BEYOND HUMAN EFFORT. This is beyond “normal Christian faith” that we demonstrate in our everyday life of faith. Gifts of Healings - The supernatural ability to be God’s supernatural and miraculous intermediary for CURING people WITHOUT the use of NATURAL MEANS. This is not to be confused with natural medical sciences, procedures or discoveries. Working of Miracles - The supernatural ability to PERFORM INTERVENTIONS, which are perceived by observers to have NO BASIS IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF NATURE, so as to glorify God and prove that He is real. This is not to be confused with idly standing by as we watch a miracle; it is the “working” of miracles   1 CORINTHIANS 12:7-11 NKJV 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually AS HE WILLS (as he determines – NIV).   HOW DO I INCREASE THESE MANIFESTATIONS? DESIRE earnestly spiritual gifts ACTIVATIONS OF FAITH is required Energized by LOVE   1 CORINTHIANS 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV [Paul said] EARNESTLY DESIRE the BEST GIFTS… 14:1 Pursue love, and DESIRE SPIRITUAL [GIFTS], but ESPECIALLY that you may PROPHESY. ROMANS 12:6 NKJV Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them]: if PROPHECY, [let us PROPHESY] in proportion to our FAITH. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV [Paul said] earnestly desire the best gifts… 14:1 Pursue LOVE, and desire SPIRITUAL [GIFTS], but ESPECIALLY that you may PROPHESY.   WHAT IF … NEXT 21 DAYS? HOLY SPIRIT WORKSHOP Pointe.info/workshops

By Pastor Robert Rosales Scriptures - Matthew 1:18-23 (NKJV) - This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!     She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,     which means ‘God is with us.’” - Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV) - Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” - Psalms 99:5 (NLT) - Exalt the Lord our God!     Bow low before his feet, for he is holy! - Isaiah 53:6a (NKJV) - All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord [a]has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. - Romans 3:23 (NKJV) - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, - 1 John 1:8 (NKJV) - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. - John 10:10 (NKJV) - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. - Romans 5:17 (NIV) - For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! - Galatians 3:13-14 (NKJV) - Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. - John 3:16-17 (NKJV) -  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. - Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. - Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV) - Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. Message Points Hb/shachah = to bow down before someone as an act of submission/reverence. Greek/proskuneo = To step in, lean in, kneel down and kiss the hand ‘salvation’ Greek/soteria = all-inclusive term; covers complete and total scope of mankind (Spirit-Soul-Body) “redeemed” Greek/exagorazo = to pay a price to ransom and recover from the power of another (Emphasizes=PAYMENT) “redeemed”–Greek/lytroo = to permanently and completely liberate by payment(Emphasizes=FREEDOM) 1. Salvation is a necessity and a luxury! 2. Salvation is comprehensive and personal 3. Salvation is free but costly

TODAY’S MESSAGE 1 JOHN 2:20, 27 NKJV But you have an ANOINTING from the Holy One, and you know all things. ... 27 But the ANOINTING which you have received from Him ABIDES IN YOU … and you will ABIDE IN HIM. Anointing = “rub on or pour over,” or SOAKED!!   ANOINTED WITH WHAT? LUKE 4:18 NKJV (Jesus said) The SPIRIT OF THE LORD [is] upon Me, because He has ANOINTED Me… ACTS 10:38 NKJV (Peter said) … how God ANOINTED Jesus of Nazareth WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and WITH POWER, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.   The presence of God – His Spirit – is rubbed on, poured over and abides in the believer!   JOHN 16:7; 14:16-20 NKJV [Jesus said] …It is to YOUR ADVANTAGE that I go away; for if I do not go away, THE HELPER will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another HELPER (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) , that He may ABIDE WITH YOU FOREVER-- 17 the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM; but you know HIM, for HE dwells WITH YOU and will be IN YOU. ACTS 1:8 NKJV [Jesus said] But YOU shall RECEIVE POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT has COME UPON YOU; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.   ANOINTED WITH WHAT AND FOR WHAT? POWER TO SAY THINGS POWER TO KNOW THINGS POWER TO DO THINGS   1 CORINTHIANS 12:7-11 NKJV But the MANIFESTATION OF THE [HOLY] SPIRIT is given to each one for the PROFIT OF ALL. MANIFESTATION – to cause something to be fully known; exhibition; expression.  PROFIT OF ALL – to bring together so as to make beautiful; symphony; harmony.   PROFIT Husband / Wife Parent Christian Witness Negotiator Employee Supervisor Friend Teacher Student Church Leader Church Volunteer Evangelist   1 CORINTHIANS 12:7-11 NKJV 8 for to one is given the WORD of WISDOM through the Spirit, to another the WORD of KNOWLEDGE through the same Spirit, 9 to another (SPECIAL) FAITH by the same Spirit, to another GIFTS of HEALINGS by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of MIRACLES, to another PROPHECY, to another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS, to another different kinds of TONGUES, to another the INTERPRETATION of tongues.   HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT MANIFEST? POWER TO SAY THINGS Prophecy Different kinds (unknown) tongues (languages) Interpretation of tongues (languages)   POWER TO KNOW THINGS Word of wisdom Word of knowledge Discerning of spirits   POWER TO DO THinGS Special faith Gifts of healings Working of miracles   1 CORINTHIANS 12:7-11 NKJV 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually AS HE WILLS (as he determines – NIV).   PROPHECY  1 CORINTHIANS 14:3 NKJV But he who PROPHESIES speaks EDIFICATION and EXHORTATION and COMFORT to men. PROPHECY — the ability to communicate truth through inspired speech (in a timely and relevant manner for strengthening, encouragement and comfort)   TONGUES & INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES                            1 CORINTHIANS 12:10 NKJV …to another PROPHECY, …to another different kinds of TONGUES, to another the INTERPRETATION of tongues. TONGUES — the ability to speak a spontaneous message from God, in a language you do not know, to a person or group of people INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES — the ability to interpret a message of one who is speaking in miracle tongues into the language of the listeners as a message from God.   NUANCES OF TONGUES AND INTERPRETATION The GIFT OF TONGUES is for outward ministry, not private devotions. The GIFT OF INTERPRETATION is not a translation.   HOW DO I INCREASE THESE MANIFESTATIONS? DESIRE earnestly spiritual gifts ACTIVATIONS OF FAITH is required Energized by LOVE   1 CORINTHIANS 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV [Paul said] EARNESTLY DESIRE the BEST GIFTS… 14:1 Pursue love, and DESIRE SPIRITUAL [GIFTS], but ESPECIALLY that you may PROPHESY. ROMANS 12:6 NKJV Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them]: if PROPHECY, [let us PROPHESY] in proportion to our FAITH. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV [Paul said] earnestly desire the best gifts… 14:1 Pursue LOVE, and desire SPIRITUAL [GIFTS], but ESPECIALLY that you may PROPHESY.   WHAT IF … NEXT 21 DAYS? HOLY SPIRIT WORKSHOP Pointe.info/workshops   DEVOTIONAL TONGUES? BEGIN HERE Pointe.info/Tongues

SOAKED Jesus has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. However, Christians talk about feeling the presence of God versus not feeling the presence of God. What does this mean? To further extend the idea, Jesus talks about a concept called “the anointing.” The word “anointing” refers to God’s Spirit and means He will “rub on or pour over” us with powerful presence. In this new series SOAKED we will discover practical applications of God’s present anointing, what it is and how to activate it at home, in relationships, for breakthrough and so much more. We will see how there are nine different expressions, or manifestations, that God desires to express in our daily lives. Yet, God wants us to be sober, in knowing we have responsibility to activate; and activation is not about moral or hyper-spiritual standards. Anybody and everybody can access this amazing place with God. You aren’t going to want to miss a Sunday. Invite a friend and come see us! A relationship that is not experienced is really not a relationship at all! Let's take a dive in the deep end and get soaked. TODAY’S MESSAGE 1 JOHN 2:20, 27 NKJV But you have an ANOINTING from the Holy One, and you know all things. ... 27 But the ANOINTING which you have received from Him ABIDES IN YOU … and you will ABIDE IN HIM. Anointing = “rub on or pour over”   ANOINTED WITH WHAT? LUKE 4:18 NKJV (Jesus said) The SPIRIT OF THE LORD [is] upon Me, because He has ANOINTED Me… ACTS 10:38 NKJV (Peter said) … how God ANOINTED Jesus of Nazareth WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and WITH POWER, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.   The presence of God – His Spirit – is rubbed on, poured over and abides in the believer!   The Supreme Ruler Over All (Sovereign) Present Everywhere (Omnipresent) All-Knowing (Omniscient) All-Powerful (Omnipotent) Unchanging (Immutable) Unlimited (Infinite) The Source of All FUTURE Things (Providential) The Source of ALL CREATED Things (Creator) Indestructible Life (Incorruptible) Unique In Every Way (Incomparable) Capable of Being Known (Knowable) Gracious (Empowering) Passionate/Affectionate In Attachment (Love/Mercy) Extensive In Pleasure and Delight (Joy) Contented Wholeness and Prosperity (Peace) Unrelenting In Lavish Care (Patience) Generous Hearted (Kind) Good (Benevolent) Tender Hearted (Meek) Invested in Relationships (Interpersonal) Overwhelmingly Rich in Character (Glorious)    THE INCREDIBLE VALUE OF GOD WITH US! HEBREWS 13:5-6 NKJV …for God Himself has said, "I will NEVER LEAVE YOU nor FORSAKE YOU." 6 So we may BOLDLY say: "The LORD [is] my helper; I WILL NOT FEAR. What can man do to me?" JOHN 16:6-7 NKJV [Jesus said] But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to YOUR ADVANTAGE that I go away; for if I do not go away, THE HELPER will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. JOHN 14:16-20 NKJV [Jesus said] And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another HELPER (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) , that He may ABIDE WITH YOU FOREVER-- 17 the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM; but you know HIM, for HE dwells WITH YOU and will be IN YOU. 1 JOHN 4:4 NKJV You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU, than he that is in the world. 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16 NKJV And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will DWELL IN them and WALK AMONG [them] (KJV “IN THEM”). I will be their God, And they shall be My people."   OLD TESTAMENT VERSUS NEW TESTAMENT ANOINTING MATTHEW 27:51 NKJV Then, behold, the VEIL OF THE TEMPLE was TORN IN TWO from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split… 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 NKJV [Paul said] Or do you not know that YOUR BODY is the TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT [who is] IN YOU, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 AMP Do you not know that your body is the TEMPLE (THE VERY SANCTUARY) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,   FILLED WITH ALL THE FULNESS OF GOD! EPHESIANS 3:19 AMP [That you may really come] to know [practically, THROUGH EXPERIENCE for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [WITHOUT EXPERIENCE]; that you may be FILLED [through all your being] unto ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD [may have the RICHEST MEASURE OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE, and become A BODY WHOLLY FILLED AND FLOODED WITH GOD HIMSELF]!    IF WE ARE ANOINTED, THEN WHY?  Why do we pray for God to be “with us?” Why do we pray for God to “visit us?” Why do we pray for God to “come by here, Lord, come by here?” Why do we pray for power? Why do we pray for God to “touch us?” Why do we pray God would “revive us?”   IF THIS IS TRUE – WHY DO I FEEL LIKE I’M DISTANT (WILDERNESS)? We must BELIEVE FIRST, not experience first We ACTIVATE the brain’s “experience” CIRCUITS Imagine and arouse feelings of His acceptance Imagine and arouse feelings of His delights Imagine and arouse feelings of shamelessness Imagine and arouse feelings of wisdom Imagine and arouse feelings of power   WHAT IF … NEXT 21 DAYS HOLY SPIRIT WORKSHOP Pointe.info/workshops 

Lord we praise you “Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/psa.37.4.nkjv “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalms 39:7 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.39.7.NKJV “Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭9:23-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/mrk.9.23-24.nkjv --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/choosejoywithtisa/message

KINGS AND KINGDOMS Why do bad things happen to good people? If God is loving, why is human suffering possible? Does the weight of a great life fall on God’s sovereign control, or are there human factors involved too? In this preaching series, KINGS AND KINGDOMS, we will explore how God has delegated to individual believers a kingship, with responsibility to understand the principles that make the kingdom thrive. We will learn how to engage spiritual authority, how to defuse the emotional shame that drives a king to live like an indigent, and ultimately how to live like God’s royal people. If you have ever had questions of why “God let this happen,” you will find nurture, freedom and a deep sense of security from this series.   ROMANS 5:17 AMP For if because of one man’s trespass (Adam’s original lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing GRACE (unmerited favor) and the free GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS [putting them into right standing with Himself] REIGN AS KINGS IN LIFE through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).   CONSIDER THE QUESTION: If God delegated His rule on earth to His people, and His people are delinquent to those responsibilities, how much pain and sorrow have we unduly endured? How much of our understanding of God has been skewed?   WHAT IS SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY? The responsibility to rightfully govern and enforce justice.   WHAT DO WE HAVE AUTHORITY OVER?  1.   DEMONS 2.   SICKNESS & DISEASE 3.   NATURAL RESOURCES (BREAD, FISH, WINE, FINANCES) 4.   INANIMATE OJBECTS (FIG TREE) 5.   PHYSICAL THREATS (TERROR, NATURAL DISASTERS) 6.   ANYTHING WE ARE REDEEMED FROM (DUET 28)   PREVIOUS WEEKS: 1.   God’s Practical Sovereignty (Sept 8) 2.   The Origins of Evil (Sept 15) 3.   The Nature of Process Laws (Sept 22) 4.   Activating Spiritual Authority (Sept 29) 5.   The Authority in Declarations and Decrees (Oct 6) 6.   The Authority in the Name of Jesus (Oct 20) pointe.info/sermons-archives   TODAY’S SERMON NOTES AUTHORITY BY THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ANOINTING!   DOES EVERY CHRISTIAN POSSESS THE RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY?   ACTS 1:8 NKJV (Jesus said) But you shall receive POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT has come UPON YOU; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.   THERE IS A DEFINITE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUTHORITY AND POWER. _______________________________  POWER WITHOUT AUTHORITY PRODUCES CHAOS. AUTHORITY WITHOUT POWER IS USELESS.   JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT POWER LUKE 4:16-21 NKJV And when Jesus had opened the book [of Isaiah], He found the place where it was written: 18 "The SPIRIT OF THE LORD [is] UPON ME, Because He has ANOINTED ME To PREACH the gospel to [the] poor; He has sent Me to HEAL the brokenhearted, To PROCLAIM LIBERTY to [the] captives And RECOVERY of sight to [the] blind, To SET AT LIBERTY those who are oppressed; 19 To PROCLAIM THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD." 20 Then He closed the book, and gave [it] back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." ACTS 10:38 NKJV (Peter preached) …how God ANOINTED Jesus of Nazareth with the HOLY SPIRIT and with POWER, who went about DOING GOOD and HEALING all who were OPPRESSED by the devil, for GOD WAS WITH HIM. JOHN 14:9-18 AMP Jesus replied, …10 What I am telling you I do not say on MY OWN AUTHORITY and of My own accord; but the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) WORKS (His own MIRACLES, DEEDS OF POWER). 11… [If you cannot trust Me, at least let THESE WORKS THAT I DO IN MY FATHER’S NAME convince you.] 12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself BE ABLE TO DO THE THINGS THAT I DO; and he will do EVEN GREATER THINGS than these, because I go to the Father. 13 And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ASK IN MY NAME [as presenting all that I Am], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. 14 [Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] WHATEVER YOU SHALL ASK IN MY NAME [as presenting all that I Am]. … 16 And I will ask the FATHER, and He will give you another COMFORTER (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— 17 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for HE LIVES WITH YOU [constantly] and WILL BE IN YOU. 18 I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you. ACTS 1:8; ACTS 2:1-4 NKJV (Jesus said) But you shall receive POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT has come UPON YOU; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and [one] sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.   WE ARE ANOINTED 2 CORINTHIANS 1:21 NKJV Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has ANOINTED US [is] God… 1 JOHN 2:20 NKJV But YOU have an ANOINTING from the Holy One, and you know all things.   WHEN TO ACTIVATE THE ANOINTING ALL PRAYER (FOR ANYTHING – FOOD TO INTERCESSIONS)   DECLARING/DECREEING AUTHORITY OVER ANYTHING (THE DEVIL) (CIRCUMSTANCES) (RESOURCES) (MIRACLES)   CHRISTIANS, THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST, HAVE THE RIGHT AND THE PRIVILEGES TO ACTIVATE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

KINGS AND KINGDOMS Why do bad things happen to good people? If God is loving, why is human suffering possible? Does the weight of a great life fall on God’s sovereign control, or are there human factors involved too? In this preaching series, KINGS AND KINGDOMS, we will explore how God has delegated to individual believers a kingship, with responsibility to understand the principles that make the kingdom thrive. We will learn how to engage spiritual authority, how to defuse the emotional shame that drives a king to live like an indigent, and ultimately how to live like God’s royal people. If you have ever had questions of why “God let this happen,” you will find nurture, freedom and a deep sense of security from this series. TODAY’S SERMON NOTES ROMANS 5:17 AMP For if because of one man’s trespass (Adam’s original lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing GRACE (unmerited favor) and the free GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS [putting them into right standing with Himself] REIGN AS KINGS IN LIFE through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).   IF GOD IS SOVEREIGN,  AND WE ARE KINGS, WHY…?   THE ANSWER COMES UNDERSTANDING TWO THINGS 1.     God’s Sovereignty 2.     The Nature of Evil   1 TIMOTHY 6:14-15 AMP [Timothy said] Keep all His precepts unsullied and flawless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), Which [appearing] will be shown forth in His own proper time by the blessed, only SOVEREIGN (Ruler), the KING OF KINGS and the LORD OF LORDS…” JOHN 8:32 NKJV [Jesus said] And you shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall MAKE YOU FREE.   THE POWER OF AN UNTRUTH 1.       The truth you believe will make you free! 2.       Partial truth is an untruth! 3.       The untruths you believe will keep you bound!   STERILIZE THESE PARTIAL TRUTHS God’s Sovereignty The Nature of Evil   WHAT IS SOVEREIGNTY? Above or superior to all others; independent of all others; under no rule or law outside Himself.          GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IS FIXED WITH FINALITY IN REDEMPTION!   GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IS EXPRESSED WITH FINALITY IN GOD’S WORD!   PSALM 89:34 NKJV [God said] My COVENANT I will NOT BREAK, NOR ALTER the WORD that has gone out of My lips. MALACHI 3:6 NKJV [God said] For I [am] the LORD, I DO NOT CHANGE.   ERRATIC SOVEREIGNTY VERSUS PREDICTABLE SOVEREIGNTY   GOD IS ONLY IN CONTROL OF THE PART OF YOUR LIFE YOU GIVE HIM CONTROL OF!!!!   DEUTERONOMY 30:19 NKJV [God said] I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, [that] I have SET BEFORE YOU life and death, BLESSING and CURSING; therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both you and your descendants may live; DEUTERONOMY 28:1-2 NKJV [God said] IF YOU diligently OBEY the voice of the LORD your God, to OBSERVE CAREFULLY all His COMMANDMENTS which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 and all these BLESSINGS shall come upon you and overtake you, BECAUSE YOU OBEY the voice of the LORD your God: DEUTERONOMY 28:15 NKJV BUT it shall come to pass, if you DO NOT OBEY the voice of the LORD your God, to OBSERVE CAREFULLY all His COMMANDMENTS and His statutes which I command you today, that all these CURSES will come upon you and overtake you:   HOW MARGINAL AND LOOSE CAN WE GET BEFORE WE GO TOO FAR?   MATTHEW 18:18 CEV [Jesus said] I promise you that God in heaven will ALLOW WHATEVER YOU ALLOW on earth, but HE WILL NOT ALLOW anything YOU DON'T ALLOW.   JOSHUA 24:15 CHOOSE YOU this day who you are going to serve… ISAIAH 66:3 THEY HAVE CHOSEN their own ways… MATTHEW 16:24, 25 If any man WILL come after me… 2 PETER 3:5 They deliberately [WILLFULLY] FORGET [what God said]… JOHN 5:40 And you WILL NOT come to me, that you might have life.    IT’S NOT PERSONAL AND GOD IS NOT TARGETING YOU. IT’S SPIRITUAL LAW!   NEXT WEEK HOW EVIL HAPPENS!

SUNDAY JUNE 30 - FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?”  “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?”  “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?”  “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people.   Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.   TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality   TODAYS MESSAGE - MORAL BEHAVIOR   1 - MORALITY & ETHICS - What is morality?   DEFINITION Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.   TWO CATEGORIC VIEWS OF MORALITY 1.   MORAL RELATIVISM 2.   MORAL ABSOLUTISM   MORAL RELATIVISM: The view that moral standards and judgments are only relative to the subject opinion of the individual and that no standpoint is privileged over all others.   MORAL ABSOLUTISM: The view that there are absolute standards and judgments that universally apply to all people and cultures.   BOOK – CHRISTIAN ETHICS – NORMAN GEISLER _______________ 2 - MORALITY & ETHICS - Can I participate in things that AREN’T EXPLICITLY “CHRISTIAN?” JAMES 4:4 NLT … Don't you realize that FRIENDSHIP with the WORLD makes you an enemy of God? JAMES 4:17 ESV So whoever KNOWS THE RIGHT THING to do and FAILS TO DO IT, for him it is SIN.   8 FILTER QUESTIONS  Does God clearly say you should or should not participate? Is it congruent with your values and life vision? Does it emotionally dysregulate you or diminish your love for Jesus? Does it infringe upon your conscience? Does it diminish your own story in Jesus? Does it compel “secrets” with those you trust? Does it open you to moral vulnerabilities? Would you like to see your Pastor/Pastor’s wife doing it? _______________ 3 - SANTA CLAUS – What should I tell my kids about Santa? _______________ 4 -  CURSING – What determines whether something is a curse word, since nowhere in the bible is there a list found of inappropriate words? MATTHEW 15:18-20 NKJV [Jesus said] But those things which proceed out of the MOUTH COME FROM the HEART, and they DEFILE a man. 19 For OUT OF THE HEART proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. EPHESIANS 5:4 NIV [Paul said] Nor should there be OBSCENITY, FOOLISH TALK or COARSE JOKING, which are out of place, BUT RATHER THANKSGIVING. EPHESIANS 4:29 NKJV [Paul said] Let NO CORRUPT WORD proceed out of your mouth, but what is GOOD for necessary EDIFICATION, that it may impart GRACE TO THE HEARERS. _______________ 5 - DEMON MOVIES - Is watching a show or movie with demons in it a sin. PROVERBS 4:23 NIV Above all else, GUARD your HEART, for everything you do flows from it. 2 PETER 2:7-8 NKJV [God] delivered righteous Lot, [who was] oppressed [VEXED] BY THE FILTHY CONDUCT of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, TORMENTED [HIS] RIGHTEOUS SOUL from day to day by seeing and hearing [their] lawless deeds)-- EPHESIANS 5:8-12 NIV For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have NOTHING TO DO with the fruitless deeds of DARKNESS, but rather expose them. 12 It is SHAMEFUL EVEN TO MENTION what the DISOBEDIENT DO IN SECRET. _______________ 6 - NATIONAL LAWS - Is it a sin to break NATIONAL LAWS LIKE SPEEDING? ROMANS 13:1-5 NKJV Let every soul be subject to the GOVERNING AUTHORITIES. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever RESISTS THE AUTHORITY resists the ORDINANCE OF GOD, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be UNAFRAID OF THE AUTHORITY? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to [execute] wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore [you] must be subject, not only because of wrath but also FOR CONSCIENCE' SAKE.   QUESTIONS Does God care if I drive 56 MPH in a 55 SPEED ZONE? Does God care if I park for 1 MINUTE over my paid PARKING METER TIME? Does God care if eat 3 SAMPLE GRAPES at the grocery store, or are the 2 EXTRA “THEFT”?   FILTER QUESTIONS Is my heart in an ATTITUDE OF SUBMISSION? Am I predisposed to PAY THE PENALTY? Does it violate OTHER PEOPLE’S RIGHTS? Does it put OTHER PEOPLE IN DANGER? Does it VIOLATE “LOVE” with anyone, including police officers? _______________ 7 - DEPRESSION & MEDICATION - Is it wrong to take medication for depression/anxiety as a Christian? PROVERBS 17:22 NKJV A merry heart does good, [like] medicine… Science of Freedom Workshop _______________ 8 – YOGA & KARATE - Is it wrong to for a Christian to participate in yoga or martial arts? ROMANS 14:14 NIV As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that NO FOOD is UNCLEAN IN ITSELF. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then FOR HIM it is UNCLEAN. _______________ 9 - HOROSCOPES – Is it wrong for a Christian to read their HOROSCOPES or to go to PSYCHICS? ISAIAH 47:13-15 NIV…Let your ASTROLOGERS come forward, those STARGAZERS who make predictions MONTH BY MONTH…Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up…Each of them goes on in his ERROR… DEUTERONOMY 18:10-12 NIV Let no one be found among who… who practices DIVINATION or SORCERY, interprets OMENS, engages in WITCHCRAFT, or CASTS SPELLS, or who is a MEDIUM or SPIRITIST or who CONSULTS THE DEAD. Anyone who does these things is DETESTABLE TO THE LORD… ISAIAH 8:19 NIV When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists…SHOULD NOT A PEOPLE INQUIRE OF THEIR GOD?    

This morning I felt to listen to some Christmas carols - yes it is June! Why not? Mary's Boy Child/Oh my Lord by Boney M; Emmanuel by Hillsong; Mary did you know? sung by Hayley Westerna, Breath of Heaven sung by Amy Grant .... Christmas Carols remind me of the gift that Jesus is to us. Not a gift that has you thinking - really? why did you give me that? Not a gift that once consumed is gone forever (like chocolate!). Not a gift that goes out of fashion #nottrendinganymore. No, Jesus is a forever gift. The gift that truly does keep on giving, here on earth and in eternity. He is the gift of salvation. And what did we do to deserve this gift? Absolutely nothing! For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ! Ephesians 2:8 TPT How open are we to receiving the complete gift of Jesus? Forgiveness, acceptance, perfect love, joy, strength, peace, freedom, wisdom, healing and assurance of eternal life. Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of hearing people's stories of the freedom that Jesus has given them, freedom from situations that were meant to destroy them. Freedom that can only come from One who loves unconditionally and has the authority to say .... The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV Jesus. The gift. For you. For me. The only way to fully live. So we can fully give to others and do what God has called us to do. Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new creation. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new. And God has made all things new, and reconciled us to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God. In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 TPT Today, let's ask Jesus three things, firstly, to show us where in our lives we are not fully receiving all He has done for us. Secondly to show us what we need to do to receive that freedom. And thirdly show us how we use that freedom to be His ambassadors in this world. For more information please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

What happens when hope starts slipping away? Darkness descends. It is difficult to think or see anything other than the negative. Stuff happens. Sometimes from wrong choices we've made. Sometimes other people's wrong choices impact us. Sometimes things happen and we don't know why. Earlier this week I was listening to Amanda Cook's song, City of Hope ... Once we were a barren land Dry from disappointment But heaven like a heavy rain Revealed your heart for us Now we're dusting off our instruments In you we found our will to live What was once a wilderness Is seeming with new life 'Cause you are mending the broken-hearted You are making all things new And you're rebuilding out of the ruins A city of hope with the ones you love How beautiful are those lines ... 'Cause you are mending the broken-hearted... He heals the wounds of every shattered heart. He sets his stars in place, calling them all by their names.5How great is our God! There’s absolutely nothing his power cannot accomplish, and he has infinite understanding of everything. Psalm 147:3-5 TPT You are making all things new ... Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5 NKJV There is one that can give hope - Jesus. I have seen Him do that in my life, my husband's life, and many other people's lives. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 NKJV Jesus. Our Saviour. A foundation that is solid, The Rock, not the sand of this world that shifts and changes with the latest trends. Everyone who hears my teaching and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakable foundation. When the rains fell and the flood came, with fierce winds beating upon his house, it stood firm because of its strong foundation. “But everyone who hears my teaching and does not apply it to his life can be compared to a foolish man who built his house on sand. When it rained and rained and the flood came, with wind and waves beating upon his house, it collapsed and was swept away.” Matthew 7:24-27 TPT Jesus. Only Jesus. Surrender. Let Him rebuild hope in your life. He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life. My help and glory are in God. So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. Psalm 62:6-8 The Message For more information please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?”  “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?”  “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?”  “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people.   Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.   TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality   TODAYS MESSAGE - BIBLE INTERPRETATION, CHURCH COMMUNITY & RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNBELIEVERS   1.  HEARING FROM GOD How do you know if something is really GOD’S LEADING or just YOUR OWN THOUGHTS?   FLUX CAPACITER FOR GUIDANCE Scriptural Authority “Seeking” Attitude Shepherd’s Counsel Stages:  Ways, Paths & Steps Screen Promptings   CHECK IT OUT! mylifepointe.com/LISTEN    2.  PENTECOSTAL LifePointe says it's a "non-denominational Christian Church," and yet it is PENTECOSTAL. What does this mean, and why does it play an important role at our church?   ACTS 2:1-4 KJV And when the DAY OF PENTECOST was fully come… 4 And they were all FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and began to SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES, as the SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE.   1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to PROPHESY, and DO NOT FORBID to SPEAK WITH TONGUES. 40 Let all things be done DECENTLY and in ORDER.   CONSIDERATIONS We are commanded to DESIRE HOLY SPIRIT GIFTS Not one SCRIPTURE implies ANY MIRACLE GIFTS passed away, including DEVOTIONAL “TONGUES” Church history is FILLED with the CONTINUATION of “TONGUES” The HOLY SPIRIT and HIS GIFTS have radically impacted my EXPERIENCE with Christ   CHECK IT OUT pointe.info/TONGUES HOLY SPIRIT WORKSHOP - pointe.info/WORKSHOPS mylifepointe.com/REPRESSED   3.  MIRACLES Why don’t we see more Bible-type spectacular MIRACLES today?   JOHN 14:12 NKJV [Jesus said] Most assuredly, I say to you, he who BELIEVES in Me, the WORKS THAT I DO HE WILL DO ALSO; and GREATER [WORKS] than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  MARK 16:17-18, 20 NKJV [Jesus said] And these SIGNS will follow those who believe: IN MY NAME they will CAST OUT DEMONS; they will speak with NEW TONGUES; 18 they will TAKE UP SERPENTS; and if they DRINK ANYTHING DEADLY, it will by no means hurt them; they will LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, and they will recover. ... 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the LORD WORKING WITH [THEM] and CONFIRMING THE WORD through the accompanying SIGNS. Amen.   CONSIDERATIONS UNBELIEF (Ignorance & Rebellious Attitudes) This generation is LESS INTENTIONAL We are MEDICINE DEPENDENT There is great CHRISTIAN SKEPTICISM/OPPOSITION EMOTIONAL DYSFUNCTION/STRESS = 90% of disease   4.  HEALING Is it appropriate to refer to a person’s DEATH as their ULTIMATE HEALING?   CONSIDERATIONS EVERY “HEALING” PROMISE in both the Old and New Testaments clearly refer to physical recovery JESUS performed and spoke of “HEALING” MIRACLES, yet NEVER is DEATH referred to as “HEALING” APOSTLES performed and spoke of “HEALING” MIRACLES, yet NEVER is DEATH referred to as “HEALING”   UPCOMING WEEKS IN FAQ  JUNE 23 WOMEN PREACHERS AND FEMINISM PEOPLE LEAVING CHURCHES INTOLERANCE, YET EMBRACING A BELIEF SOUL TIES DATING AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS   JUNE 30 / JULY 7 & 14 END TIMES CHRISTIAN / PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEMON MOVIES BREAKING CIVIL LAWS HOROSCOPES ALCOHOL DE-SENSITIZED BY CULTURE MARIJUANA & CBD DEPRESSION MEDICATION PREMARITAL SEX DIVORCE DEATH PENALTY ABORTION (WILL NOT BE LIVE-STREAMED OR RECORDED FOR PUBLIC VIEWING) LGBTQ (WILL NOT BE LIVE-STREAMED OR RECORDED FOR PUBLIC VIEWING)

Speaker or Performer: Bob Petersen Date of Delivery: June 2, 2019 Has God Failed Me?“I love you Jesus, but I have a low grade hesitation in my spirit now that’s an unperceived offense.” - Mike BickleGenesis 4:1-8 NASNow the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, I have gotten a manchild with the help of the Lord. Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it. Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.♦ When we do stuff FOR Godinstead of WITH God,we set ourselves upto be offended ♦Matthew 11:4-6 NKJV Jesus answered and said to them, 'Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.'Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJVTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.Matthew 24:10 AMPAnd then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred.How to resolve offense in our lives:Set God is good all the time as a core value.Be responsible for your part in your failed results. Be thankful to God for what is going on in your life right now.“In all your ways acknowledge Him”.Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?”  “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?”  “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?”  “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people. Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.   TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality   TODAYS MESSAGE - BIBLE INTERPRETATION, FAITH AND SCIENCE   1.  CREATION & EVOLUTION How OLD is the EARTH? How LONG were the 6 days of CREATION? Is there any validity to EVOLUTION? Where did DINOSAURS come from?   5 VIEWS OF CREATION Biblical-Poetic Symbolism Young-Earth Biblical Literalists Old-Earth Biblical Literalists Naturalistic & Mythological Old-Earth Gap Theorists   GENESIS 1:1-2 NIV  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was (became) FORMLESS and EMPTY (Tohu), DARKNESS was over the surface of the deep…” ISAIAH 45:18 NIV “…God Himself that formed the earth and made it;  He…created it NOT IN VAIN (Tohu)…”   ISAIAH 14:12-16 KJV How art thou FALLEN FROM HEAVEN, O Lucifer, … which didst weaken the NATIONS! EZEKIEL 28:11-19 KJV Thou [art] the ANOINTED CHERUB that COVERETH; … 16 By the multitude of thy MERCHANDISE they have filled the midst of thee with violence, …therefore I will CAST THEE AS PROFANE OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD:   GENESIS 1:28 KJV And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and REPLENISH the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.   MICRO VERSUS MACRO MICRO – Variations WITHIN the Biblical KIND MACRO – Changing FROM one KIND to ANOTHER (All organisms descend from common ancestral form)    2.  ALIENS - Are ALIENS real? UFO POLLS 50% of all adult Americans believe 6-12% claim to have seen one 90-95% are natural phenomena, hoaxes or      man-made crafts 5-10% defy such explanations   RESPONSE IRRELEVANT to Christian truth IMPROBABLE for unqualified intelligent life to exist THEY ARE PROBABLY angels and demons    3.  TITHING – Are we supposed to TITHE (10% Giving) from our GROSS income or our NET income?   4.  MORE MIRACLES – Why don’t we see more Bible-type spectacular MIRACLES today?  CONSIDERATIONS UNBELIEF (Ignorance & Rebellious Attitudes) This generation is LESS INTENTIONAL We are MEDICINE DEPENDENT There is great CHRISTIAN SKEPTICISM/OPPOSITION EMOTIONAL DYSFUNCTION/STRESS = 90% of disease   5.  HEALING – Is it appropriate to refer to a person’s DEATH as their ULTIMATE HEALING?   6.  HEARING GOD’S VOICE – How do you know if something is really GOD’S LEADING or just YOUR OWN THOUGHTS? SCRIPTURES (Authority, Revelation, Faith) Is my heart calibrated to Scripture? SEEKING (Attitudes to Kingdom, Church, Caring about what God Cares About) How will my decision impact my Church? SHEPHERDS (Pastors, Spiritual Leaders, Etc) What would my Pastor say about this? (the aggregate voice) STAGES (Ways, Paths, Steps / Seasons, Streets and Steps) Am I deciding things incongruent with my stage:  season, street or step? SCREENINGS (Gauges and Metrics to Follow) Are my “knowings” becoming galvanized?   7. BLESS YOU – Is it okay to say, “BLESS YOU” when someone SNEEZES? LUKE 6:28 NKJV [Jesus said] BLESS those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.   8.  WHAT IS SUCCESS – What does SUCCESS look like for a CHRISTIAN versus the SECULAR definition? MATTHEW 25:21 NKJV [Jesus said] "His lord said to him, 'Well [done], good and FAITHFUL servant; you were FAITHFUL over a few things, I will make you RULER over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' FAITHFUL isn’t PERFORMANCE; it is PARTNERSHIP-DEPENDENCE to do everything in life with God.

FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?”  “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?”  “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?”  “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people. Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.   TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality   TODAYS MESSAGE - BIBLE INTERPRETATION, FAITH AND SCIENCE   1.  BIBLE – Why do Christians believe the BIBLE is INSPIRED, INERRANT or INFALLIBLE? Should the BIBLE be taken LITERALLY?  DEFINITIONS INSPIRED – “God divinely influenced writers” INERRANT – “Without error” INFALLIBLE – “Incapable of teaching any error” WHAT INERRANCY DOESN’T MEAN Everything in the Bible is TRUE There are no PERCEIVED contradictions That all extra copies and all translations ARE 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 NKJV All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness… REASONS I BELIEVE JESUS believed the Bible as authoritative PROPHESIES of OT & NT Fulfillment Jesus DISCIPLES treated Bible as authoritative It has CHANGED MY LIFE   2.  BIBLE INTERPRETATION – Is there a good system to INTERPRET the BIBLE? While the BIBLE is inspired and authoritative, a person’s INTERPRETATION is NOT! METHODS OF GOOD INTERPRETATION Jesus & Redemption is our greatest revelation of God History (culture & background) Grammar (nuances of Hebrew & Greek) Context (person speaking, speaking to, before & after) Scripture to Interpret Scripture   3.  JOB – Does God still TEST OUR FAITH as He did JOB, where He STEPS BACK and ALLOWS THE ENEMY a free hand to TORMENT us? JOB 1:8-12 NKJV Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that [there is] none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" 9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 "Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 "But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" 12 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has [is] in your power; only do not lay a hand on his [person]." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.   4.  CREATION & EVOLUTION How OLD is the EARTH? How LONG were the 6 days of CREATION? Is there any validity to EVOLUTION? Where did DINOSAURS come from? GENESIS 1:1-2 NIV  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was (became) FORMLESS and EMPTY (Tohu), DARKNESS was over the surface of the deep…” ISAIAH 45:18 NIV “…God Himself that formed the earth and made it;  He…created it NOT IN VAIN (Tohu)…”   5.  END TIMES – What are the END TIMES EVENTS and TIMELINES?   6.  ALIENS - Are ALIENS real?   7.  TITHING – Are we supposed to TITHE (10% Giving) from our GROSS income or our NET income?   8.  MORE MIRACLES – Why don’t we see more Bible-type spectacular MIRACLES today?   9.  HEALING – Is it appropriate to refer to a person’s DEATH as their ULTIMATE HEALING?   10.  HEARING GOD’S VOICE – How do you know if something is really GOD’S LEADING or just YOUR OWN THOUGHTS? SCRIPTURES (Authority, Revelation, Faith) Is my heart calibrated to Scripture? SEEKING (Attitudes to Kingdom, Church, Caring about what God Cares About) How will my decision impact my Church? SHEPHERDS (Pastors, Spiritual Leaders, Etc) What would my Pastor say about this? (the aggregate voice) STAGES (Ways, Paths, Steps / Seasons, Streets and Steps) Am I deciding things incongruent with my stage:  season, street or step? SCREENINGS (Gauges and Metrics to Follow) Are my “knowings” becoming galvanized?   11. BLESS YOU – Is it okay to say, “BLESS YOU” when someone SNEEZES?   12.  WHAT IS SUCCESS – What does SUCCESS look like for a CHRISTIAN versus the SECULAR definition? MATTHEW 25:21 NKJV [Jesus said] "His lord said to him, 'Well [done], good and FAITHFUL servant; you were FAITHFUL over a few things, I will make you RULER over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' FAITHFUL isn’t PERFORMANCE; it is PARTNERSHIP-DEPENDENCE to do everything in life with God.  

TODAY’S EPISODE BIG QUESTION What are the BLANKS You REQUIRE BEFORE you BELIEVE?   BIG IDEA Whatever you REQUIRE FIRST – the BLANK – reveals where your REAL DEVOTION LIES!   WHAT/WHO IS ON THE THRONE? The REAL AUTHORITY over your life is whatever lies in your BLANK!   FIRST? YOU DO NOT HAVE TO… SEE FIRST UNDERSTAND FIRST VERIFY SCIENCE FIRST HAVE THE AFFIRMATION OF YOUR GROUP FIRST YOU CAN SIMPLY CHOOSE GOD FIRST!   A BIG BLANK “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH, THEREFORE I CAN’T BELIEVE GOD’S PROMISE!”   ROMANS 12:3 NKJV [Paul said] For I say… to everyone who is among you… GOD HAS DEALT to EACH ONE a MEASURE OF FAITH. ACTS 10:34 KJV [Peter said] Of a truth I perceive that GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS.   THE FAITH ADVANTAGE – IF HE RESPECTS PEOPLE WISDOM:  JAMES 1:5-8 NKJV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 [he is] a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. VICTORY:  1 JOHN 5:4 NKJV For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. MOVE MOUNTAINS:  MARK 11:22-23 NKJV So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. 23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. ANSWERED PRAYER:  MARK 11:22-24 NKJV So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. … 24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive [them], and you will have [them]. PEACE:  ISAIAH 26:3 NKJV You will keep [him] in perfect peace, [Whose] mind [is] stayed [on You], Because he trusts in You. PHYSICAL HEALING:  Mark 5:25-34 NKJV 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?" … 34 And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY:  1 PETER 5:8-9 NKJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, … WORD OF GOD - POWER:  Hebrews 4:2 NKJV For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard [it]. DEEP REST:  HEBREWS 4:3 NKJV For we who have believed do enter that rest… HAPPINESS:  PROVERBS 16:20 NKJV He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy [is] he. RICH PRESENCE OF GOD:  JOHN 11:40 NKJV Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" PLEASE GOD:  HEBREWS 11:6 NKJV But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.    MARK 9:21-27 NLT "How long has this been happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father. He replied, "Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, IF YOU CAN." 23 "WHAT DO YOU MEAN, 'IF I CAN'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." 24 The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my UNBELIEF!” 25 When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. HEBREWS 4:1-2, 6 NKJV - 1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the GOSPEL WAS PREACHED to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH in those who heard [it]. ... 6 Since therefore it remains that some [must] enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of DISOBEDIENCE (UNBELIEF – KJV)…    2 KINDS OF UNBELIEF BASED ON IGNORANCE A REBELLIOUS ATTITUDE   ROMANS 10:17 NKJV So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.   If you have God’s Word for something…you have faith for it!   SIMPLE CHOICE Faith is activated by a choice, and everyone has the ability to freely choose!   CALL TO ACTION Out of everything we talked about today, what is your ONE NEXT STEP that you need to take?   ASSESS WHAT ARE YOUR BLANKS CHOOSE TO RE-SURRENDER TO GOD FIRST PUT GOD’S WORD AS YOUR FIRST AND FINAL

RIPPLE What if you held the power to change the world? What if you had the resources to simply make a choice that could impact destinies, prevent suffering and guide the generations of tomorrow? Would you use your power? While many people are waiting for the spectacular fantasies of some far away power, Jesus talked about something as small as everyday choices. Through right choices humans possess the power to drop a pebble, to start a wave, and to make an eternal ripple. Doing good, serving well, giving generously and inviting radically are all within our atomic choices; and when combined with other’s atomic choices we create a massive tidal wave of change. Come learn with us Jesus’ vision for a quantum ripple!   TODAY’S EPISODE BIG IDEA LIFE IS MADE UP OF THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUAL CHOICES WITH EACH CHOICE CREATING A CERTAIN RIPPLE.   MATTHEW 16:24-27 NKJV Then Jesus said to His disciples,… 26 "For what profit is it to a man if he GAINS THE WHOLE WORLD, and LOSES HIS OWN SOUL? Or what will a man GIVE IN EXCHANGE for his soul?   GAINS & LOSSES GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, BUT LOSES _________ !   LUKE 4:43 NKJV [Jesus said] I MUST preach the KINGDOM of God to the other cities also, because FOR THIS PURPOSE I have been sent.   CONTEMPLATE WHAT IS YOUR “I MUST _________ !”   MALACHI 3:6-16 NIV "I the LORD do not change… 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. RETURN TO ME, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?' 8 "Will a mere mortal ROB GOD? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'HOW are we robbing you?’” IN TITHES AND OFFERINGS. 9 You are UNDER A CURSE - your whole nation--because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the WHOLE TITHE into the STOREHOUSE, that there may be FOOD IN MY HOUSE. TEST ME in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the FLOODGATES OF HEAVEN and POUR OUT SO MUCH BLESSING that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I WILL PREVENT pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe," says the LORD Almighty. 12 "Then ALL THE NATIONS WILL CALL YOU BLESSED, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty. 13 "You have SPOKEN ARROGANTLY AGAINST ME," says the LORD. "Yet you ask, 'WHAT have we said against you?' 14 "You have said, 'It is FUTILE TO SERVE GOD. WHAT DO WE GAIN by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? 15 But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly EVILDOERS PROSPER, and even when they put God to the test, THEY GET AWAY WITH IT.' " 16 Then THOSE WHO FEARED THE LORD talked with each other, and the LORD LISTENED and HEARD. A SCROLL OF REMEMBRANCE was written in his presence concerning those who FEARED the LORD and HONORED his name.   TITHE TRIPPLE RIPPLE RIPPLE INWARD RIPPLE OUTWARD RIPPLE UPWARD   TITHE FACTS Tithe MEANS “10%” [“tithes AND offerings”] There are 3 TITHES in the Old Testament (10-23%) TITHE was NEVER a form of government TAXATION The TITHE was to be brought to God’s HOUSE (the PRIESTS or the TEMPLE), which is parallel to the local church in the New Testament The TITHE was never to APPEASE God’s anger, or buy Him off The TITHE is still a spiritual law ENACTED TODAY, designed to resource TRANSFORMATION, KINGDOM MISSION and WORSHIP DEVOTION The TITHE was an Old Testament form of SPIRITUAL EXERCISE for the heart, by putting GOD’S KINGDOM FIRST The WHOLE TITHE is ALREADY God’s; when we don’t return it we are “robbing God” The TITHE is from our FIRST and BEST portions Even the PRIESTS/TEMPLE were to TITHE   DEUTERONOMY 8:18 NKJV And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you POWER TO GET WEALTH, that HE MAY ESTABLISH HIS COVENANT which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. LEVITICUS 27:30, 32 NIV A TITHE of EVERYTHING from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, BELONGS to the LORD; it is HOLY to the LORD. ... 32 Every TITHE of the herd and flock--every TENTH animal that passes under the shepherd's rod--will be HOLY to the LORD.   WHY WE DON’T TITHE We didn’t know TITHING was a such a powerful deal We had misinformed doctrinal conflict around TITHING We had thought giving elsewhere is TITHING We had thought that giving incrementally was TITHING We considered TITHING a luxury, rather than a priority We don’t have enough money at my house to TITHE We don’t know why   MAMMON IS DECIETFUL WHICH OF THESE STATEMENTS CREATES MORE ANXIETY IN YOU? “You have no access to God for a year” “You have no access to money for a year” WHY?   WHAT IF WE DON’T TITHE?  We become completely disempowered Christians Our hearts become increasingly hardened The mission of God is unrealized, the gospel is under resourced What we take for granted today, will be gone tomorrow Our legacy is stolen    ACTIVATION OUT OF EVERYTHING WE TALKED ABOUT TODAY, WHAT IS YOUR ONE NEXT STEP THAT YOU NEED TO TAKE? ASSESS THE “PURPOSE” OF YOUR PRESENT CHOICES RE-SURRENDER TO GOD’S PURPOSE TAKE A COURAGEOUS STEP TO TITHE

RIPPLE What if you held the power to change the world? What if you had the resources to simply make a choice that could impact destinies, prevent suffering and guide the generations of tomorrow? Would you use your power? While many people are waiting for the spectacular fantasies of some far away power, Jesus talked about something as small as everyday choices. Through right choices humans possess the power to drop a pebble, to start a wave, and to make an eternal ripple. Doing good, serving well, giving generously and inviting radically are all within our atomic choices; and when combined with other’s atomic choices we create a massive tidal wave of change. Come learn with us Jesus’ vision for a quantum ripple!   TODAY’S EPISODE BIG IDEA LIFE IS MADE UP OF THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUAL CHOICES WITH EACH CHOICE CREATING A CERTAIN RIPPLE.   MATTHEW 16:24-27 NKJV Then Jesus said to His disciples,… 26 "For what profit is it to a man if he GAINS THE WHOLE WORLD, and LOSES HIS OWN SOUL? Or what will a man GIVE IN EXCHANGE for his soul?   GAINS & LOSSES GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, BUT LOSES _________ !   LUKE 4:43 NKJV [Jesus said] I MUST preach the KINGDOM of God to the other cities also, because FOR THIS PURPOSE I have been sent.   CONTEMPLATE WHAT IS YOUR “I MUST _________ !”   EPHESIANS 1:22-23 MSG [Paul said] GOD is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. 23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.   JOHN 15:14-17 NIV [Jesus said] You are MY FRIENDS if you do what I COMMAND. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his MASTER'S BUSINESS. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and APPOINTED YOU so that you might go and bear fruit--FRUIT THAT WILL LAST--and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.   1 CORINTHIANS 16:15 KJV I beseech you, brethren, (YE KNOW the HOUSE OF STEPHANAS, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints…)   WHY A RIPPLE ADDICTION Lose your life you will find it (MARK 8:34-37)  Increased boldness in your faith (1TIMOTHY 3:13) Increased spiritual sharpness (HEBREWS 6:9-12)  Living a blessed life (PSALM 92:13, PSALM 35:27) Receiving honor from God (JOHN 12:26)  Multiplying our life’s fruitfulness (JOHN 15:1-8) Receive heavenly rewards (1 CORINTHIANS 3:8-9) Experience promotion from God (LUKE 16:12-13)  Access greatness (MATTHEW 23:11)  Rest in a state of supernatural satisfaction (PSALM 36:8)  Live in 100 times multiplication (MARK 10:28-31) Leave an eternal legacy (JOHN 15:14-17)   WHY WE DON’T CHOOSE GAINS  Schedule “too busy” Fear of missing out Don’t want to screw things up Fear of disappointing others Don’t want to be close enough to see leader’s flaws Fear of being disappointed I’m not needed – everything is under control Fear of added responsibility Don’t have emotional bandwidth to serve Fear of being further depleted   ACTIVATION OUT OF EVERYTHING WE TALKED ABOUT TODAY, WHAT IS YOUR ONE NEXT STEP THAT YOU NEED TO TAKE? ASSESS THE “PURPOSE” OF YOUR PRESENT CHOICES RE-SURRENDER TO GOD’S PURPOSE JOIN A CHURCH TEAM MOVING FORWARD THIS WEEK WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THIS? HOW WILL YOU USE IT TO HELP/SERVE OTHERS?

Four blood moons took place in 2014-2015. Each of them happened on a major Jewish holiday. Two of them happened on Passover and two of them on the Feast of Tabernacles. There was a conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, the shining of the Bethlehem Star, on June 30th and July 1, 2015. While there have been many conjunctions of Jupiter and Venus, this was possibly the first time they have been that close, shining as one star, since the birth of Christ. That is why it has been called the reappearing of the Bethlehem Star. A total solar eclipse was visible from coast to coast in the USA for the first time in 100 years took place August 21st this year. The last time was 1918. This hurricane season has been record setting. Through September 12th there have been 11 names storms, 6 hurricanes, three have been major hurricanes of level three or above. Normal season has a total of twelve names storms, 6 hurricanes and three major hurricanes. An 8.4 earthquake hit Mexico on September 7th. They are anticipating an alignment of the sun, Jupiter, Venus and mars, that many are calling the fulfillment of Revelation 12 this week. What is happening? Are we near the end of time? Should we be preparing for the judgment of God as some are saying? Certainly God is trying to get our attention. Genesis 1:14 clearly tells us God will speak to us through the sun and the moon. “Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years’” (NKJV). Did you catch that? “Let them be for signs [otot] and seasons [moadim]." God placed the sun, the moon, and the stars in the sky to lights for planet earth. He also uses them for “signs” literally for a banner that signals direction or orients a person and for “seasons” for appointed times, for festivals. How God Uses Blood Moons to Speak to the Church It is not a coincidence that multiple times in Scripture God references the last days will be marked by blood moons and solar eclipses declaring his appointed time and signaling the direction His church should be taking. Some of the references are Isaiah 13:9-10; Amos 8:8, 9; and Matthew 24:29. Joel 2:30-31 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord” (NKJV). Learn how you can read the signs of the times through the prism of history in this powerful course Where Are We At On God's Timeclock Get 30% off when you use the coupon code: timeclock Jesus addressed this very issue in Matthew 24 in answer to the question from His disciples, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age”? (Matthew 24:3 NKJV) Jesus gave three arenas of “signs” and “seasons” that would lead to the end of time and His return. 1. He said in verses 4-8, there will be false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, and natural disasters but all of these are the beginning of sorrows, the end is not yet. These are the birth pangs that will get closer together and more severe proclaiming that God is talking to us. He is indeed shouting at us. Don’t place greater emphasis on these things than is intended. 2. The second arena is found in Matthew 24:9-14. There will be severe persecution because the general population will hate Christians, false prophets will become popular and deceive many people, and lawlessness will abound. The Gospel will be preached to all nations, “and then the end will come.” 3. Matthew 24:15-22 records Jesus describing the third arena. The “abomination of desolation" spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” will set the stage for the world to experience “then there will be great tribulation.” Jesus is making direct reference to Daniel’s description of the third temple of God being built on the Temple Mount. The Beast or the Little Horn will defile the temple and stop all worship of the Living God and direct all worship to himself, as if he were God. The Apostle Paul also refers to this in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4. It is at this point in His discourse that Jesus makes reference to the solar eclipse and the blood moons happening before He raptures the Church and comes to earth again (Matthew 24:23-31). What should the church be doing in light of all that is happening? What is God trying to say to us? I believe Jesus made that abundantly clear. First let me tell what He is NOT saying. That is just as important as what He IS saying. Jesus is not saying to His church, “Just hang on, the rapture is coming and I will take you out of this mess.” Jesus is not saying, “The end of the world is coming. Gather all the food and water you can and head for the hills.” I know to many of you this may sound silly, but, I have been around long enough to remember the book and how many Christians were miss led by 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988, The Feast of Trumpets (Ros-Hash-Ana) September 11-12-13 by Edgar Whisenant. I also remember the tragedy of the Hale-Bopp comet suicide in March 1997. I believe the Holy Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ will rapture His church in the book of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. I believe we are to look for that blessed hope with great anticipation every single day. It should not make us inactive and complacent, exactly the opposite. Jesus described it well in Matthew 24:45-51. We must be faithful and good stewards of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is coming soon! Luke 19:13 our Lord said “Occupy till I come.” Literally, do business, do trade. He has given us assignments that must be completed. The Gospel must be preached in all nations (Matthew 24:14). Your children and grandchildren must be led to Jesus and discipled. Your work place needs to hear the Gospel. Your neighbors and relatives must be won to Jesus Christ. Lift up your eyes. Look to the fields. They are ready for harvest. Yes, we are seeing the signs of His coming. He is coming soon. This weekend may very well be exactly what is described in Revelation 12; I am not an astronomer. I do know four blood moons exactly on four biblical feast days, is God shouting at His church, “Get the job done. I am coming soon!” Awaken Church! This is not a time to be partying with the world or playing with sin. This is not a time to “have a form of godliness but no power.” This is the time for the Church to be waiting on the Lord for a new season of Pentecost and the power of the Holy Spirit, so we can be witnesses unto Him in these closing days time! This is the time for Joel 2:28-29 to be fulfilled in our local churches “that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider leaving us a review. This helps the Foundational podcast reach more listeners.  Be sure to tell a friend about the Foundational blog and podcast, and share with them about the free Bible Reading Challenge journal they will receive when they subscribe to receive my newsletter! Read More Content Like This: It Is Not a Political Problem - Part One It Is Not a Political Problem - Double Tragedy Church, Heed Not the Song of the Sirens 3 Ways to Prepare For Jesus' Second Coming 2 More Ways to Prepare For Jesus' Second Coming Will You Be Caught By Surprise? Learn how you can read the signs of the times through the prism of history in this powerful course Where Are We At On God's Timeclock Get 30% off when you use the coupon code: timeclock

TODAY’S PREACHING   PROMISES, PROMISES? GUARANTEES? GOOD INTENTIONS?  _______________  BIBLICAL PROMISES = ESTABLISHED FACTS (Not future GOOD INTENTIONS or MYTHICAL FANTASIES) _______________  31,173 Scriptures / 30,000+ Promises? / 8810 Promises _______________ HEBREWS 8:6 NKJV … (Jesus Christ) is also Mediator of a BETTER COVENANT, which was established on BETTER PROMISES. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-25 NKJV …the Lord Jesus on the [same] night in which He was betrayed took BREAD; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, "Take, eat; this is MY BODY which is BROKEN FOR YOU; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner [He] also [took] the CUP (OF WINE) after supper, saying, "This cup is the NEW COVENANT in MY BLOOD. This do, as often as you drink [it], in remembrance of Me." HEBREWS 9:22 NKJV And according to the law almost all things are PURIFIED WITH BLOOD, and without SHEDDING OF BLOOD there is NO REMISSION (OF SIN).  _______________ ADAM  GENESIS 2:7 NKJV And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the BREATH OF LIFE; and man became a LIVING BEING. LEVITICUS 17:11, 14 NKJV For the LIFE OF THE FLESH [IS] IN THE BLOOD, … for it [is] the BLOOD [that] makes ATONEMENT for the soul. ... 14 for [it is] the LIFE of all flesh. Its BLOOD sustains its LIFE.  _______________ EVE GENESIS 2:18, 21-23 NKJV And the LORD God said, "[It is] not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." ... 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his RIBS, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the RIB which the LORD God had taken from man HE MADE INTO A WOMAN, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: "This [is] now BONE OF MY BONES And FLESH OF MY FLESH; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."  _______________  ADAM AND EVE SINNED GENESIS 2:16-17 NKJV And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, … 17 "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely DIE." ROMANS 6:23 NKJV For the wages of sin [is] DEATH… GENESIS 3:21 NKJV Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of SKIN, and clothed them. LEVITICUS 17:11, 14 NKJV For the LIFE OF THE FLESH [IS] IN THE BLOOD, … for it [is] the BLOOD [that] makes ATONEMENT for the soul. ... 14 for [it is] the LIFE of all flesh. Its BLOOD sustains its LIFE. _______________ CAIN AND ABEL GENESIS 4:2-5 NKJV …Now ABEL was a keeper of SHEEP, but CAIN was a tiller of the GROUND. 3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an OFFERING OF THE FRUIT of the ground to the LORD. 4 Abel also brought of the FIRSTBORN OF HIS FLOCK and of their fat. And the LORD RESPECTED ABEL and his offering, 5 but He DID NOT RESPECT CAIN and his offering. HEBREWS 11:4 NKJV BY FAITH ABEL offered to God a MORE EXCELLENT SACRIFICE than CAIN… _______________  ABRAHAM - ISAAC HEBREWS 11:17-19 NKJV By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son], 18 of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," 19 concluding that GOD [WAS] ABLE TO RAISE [HIM] UP, EVEN FROM THE DEAD, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. _______________  MOSES EXODUS 12:5, 7-8, 11-14 NKJV 'Your LAMB SHALL BE WITHOUT BLEMISH, a male of the first year. You may take [it] from the sheep or from the goats. ... 7 'And they shall take [some] of the BLOOD and put [it] on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. 8 'Then they shall EAT THE FLESH on that night; roasted in fire, with UNLEAVENED BREAD [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it. ... 11 'And thus you shall eat it: [with] a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It [is] the LORD'S PASSOVER. 12 'For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD. 13 'Now the BLOOD SHALL BE A SIGN for you on the houses where you [are]. And when I see the BLOOD, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy [you] when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 'So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall KEEP IT AS A FEAST to the LORD throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.’ PSALM 105:37 NKJV He also brought them out with silver and gold, And [there was] NONE FEEBLE among His tribes. _______________  JESUS GENESIS 3:15 NKJV (God said to the serpent, Satan) And I will put enmity Between you and the WOMAN, And between your seed and HER SEED; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." 1 PETER 2:22, 24 NKJV (Jesus Christ) Who committed NO SIN, Nor was deceit found in His mouth; ... 24 who Himself BORE OUR SINS in His own body on the TREE, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by WHOSE STRIPES YOU WERE HEALED. JOHN 19:30 NKJV …(Jesus said) "IT IS FINISHED!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. REVELATION 13:8 NKJV - 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of THE LAMB SLAIN from the foundation of the world. COLOSSIANS 1:14, 20 NKJV … in whom (Jesus Christ) we have REDEMPTION through His BLOOD, the forgiveness of sins. ... 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made PEACE through the BLOOD OF HIS CROSS. 1 PETER 1:18-19 NKJV …knowing that you were not REDEEMED with corruptible things, [like] silver or gold, from your aimless conduct [received] by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, as of a LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH and WITHOUT SPOT (Exodus 12:5).  _______________ BLOOD COVENANT = PROMISES = ESTABLISHED FACTS  _______________ TIME TO ACTIVATE Read/Pray/Live the PROMISES as COVENANT FACTS with God!  _______________ COMMUNION TABLE 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-25 NKJV …the Lord Jesus on the [same] night in which He was betrayed took BREAD; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, "Take, eat; this is MY BODY which is BROKEN FOR YOU; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner [He] also [took] the CUP (OF WINE) after supper, saying, "This cup is the NEW COVENANT in MY BLOOD. This do, as often as you drink [it], in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this BREAD and drink this CUP, you PROCLAIM THE LORD'S DEATH till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks [this] cup of the Lord in an UNWORTHY MANNER will be guilty of the BODY and BLOOD of the Lord. 28 But let a man EXAMINE HIMSELF, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an UNWORTHY MANNER eats and drinks JUDGMENT to himself, NOT DISCERNING THE LORD'S BODY. 30 FOR THIS REASON many [are] WEAK and SICK among you, and many SLEEP (HAVE DIED).  _______________

TODAY’S PREACHING 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-21 KJV QUENCH (extinguish) NOT the (HOLY) SPIRIT. 20 DESPISE (displace or set aside, regard lightly, or not esteem) NOT prophesyings. 21 PROVE ALL THINGS; hold fast that which is good. JOHN 16:7 NKJV [Jesus said] Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to YOUR ADVANTAGE that I go away; for if I do not go away, the HELPER (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 MSG The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP of the HOLY SPIRIT, be with all of you.   DESIRE FOR HIM 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to prophesy, and DO NOT FORBID to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. EARNESTLY DESIRE (covet) comes from the Greek word root ZELOS which means to be ZEALOUS or have warmth of feeling towards.  It is an intense desire! Here it refers to a positive energy pocket.   CATEGORIES OF GIFTS 23 SPIRITUAL GIFTS 5 MINISTRY – OFFICES (FUNCTIONAL) 9 MOTIVATIONAL – GRACE TALENTS (FUNCTIONAL) 9 MIRACLE EMPOWERMENTS – CHARISMA – GRACE GIFTS (OPERATIONAL)   FUNCTIONAL GIFTS God designed you to fulfill a specific “function” in the church and gifted you accordingly. The MOTIVATIONAL and MINISTRY GIFTS that you POSSESS. These are gifts that are YOURS. They ARE PART OF WHO YOU ARE, a part of your personality. You operate in them all the time, intentionally or unintentionally. 14 FUNCTIONAL GIFTS 5 MINISTRY OFFICES (FUNCTIONAL) - Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor & Teacher 9 MOTIVATIONAL GRACE TALENTS (FUNCTIONAL) - Administration, Encouragement, Giving, Helps, Hospitality, Intercession, Leadership, Mercy, Service   OPERATIONAL GRACE GIFTS The operational gifts are available to all believers as opportunities arise. If God determines there is a need, and you are available, then God will partner with you in one of these gifts. YOU DO NOT “OWN” OPERATIONAL GIFTS. THEY ARE NOT PART OF YOUR MAKE-UP. THEY ONLY HAPPEN AS GOD SOVEREIGNLY WILLS (positive sovereignty). 3 REVELATION GIFTS Word of Knowledge Word of Wisdom Discerning of Spirits  3 POWER GIFTS Special Faith Gifts of Healings Working of Miracles 3 COMMUNICATION GIFTS Prophecy Tongues Interpretation of Tongues   1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL GIFTS (operations of the Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT… 4 There are DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS, but the same SPIRIT... 7 But the MANIFESTATION of the SPIRIT is given to EACH ONE for the profit of all:  8 for to one is given the WORD OF WISDOM through the Spirit, to another the WORD OF KNOWLEDGE through the same Spirit, 9 to another (SPECIAL) FAITH by the same Spirit, to another GIFTS OF HEALINGS by the same Spirit, 10 to another the WORKING OF MIRACLES, to another PROPHECY, to another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS, to another different kinds of TONGUES, to another the INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES. 11 But one and the same SPIRIT WORKS all these things, distributing to EACH ONE individually AS HE WILLS (as he determines – NIV).   COVET THESE GIFTS 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to prophesy, and DO NOT FORBID to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.   TIME TO ACTIVATE GENUINELY DESIRE all that the Holy Spirit is (no prejudice) LEARN about the Holy Spirit & His Gifts (LifePointe Workshops) TAKE STEPS of faith to encounter Him (LifePointe Revivals)